Tony Gregory
Question:256 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on decisions which emanate from other Departments which affect rural communities. [23074/04]
View answerThursday, 30 September 2004
Questions (254)
Written answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the Cabinet handbook requires Departments to ensure that all memoranda for the Government containing any significant policy proposals or other measures, including legislation, should indicate the impact, if any, of the proposals on rural communities, that is, on the physical, economic and social conditions of people living in the open countryside, in coastal areas, towns and villages and in smaller urban centres outside of the five major urban areas. Accordingly, each Minister is required to ensure that the rural development dimension of every major proposal is appropriately addressed.
The circulation of draft memoranda for Government to Departments prior to their finalisation also enables me through my Department to have input to the development of proposals likely to affect rural communities.
As Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, I am afforded input to Government decisions on such matters in the context of Cabinet discussions.