Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
375 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of the review of the community development programme; the persons or bodies which have been consulted during the review; the persons or bodies which have made submissions regarding the review; and the likely date of the reviews conclusion and publication of recommendations. [31356/04]
View answerI refer the Deputy to answers to earlier questions on the review of local and community development structures, in particular Questions Nos. 108, 116, 126, 137, 139, and 141 on 26 March 2003; Question No. 429 on 15 April 2003; Question No. 79 on 3 June 2003; Question No. 151 and related questions on 4 February 2004 and Question No. 186 and related questions on 5 October 2004. As is clear from those replies a wide range of parties were consulted.
The Government decision arising from the review of structures as described in the February 2004 reply referred to above envisaged that local and community development groups would be asked to advance proposals for improved alignment of structures in their areas. This exercise was promoted and co-ordinated by county and city development boards, CDBs. Following independent assessment of the proposals received, I have been able to approve funding of €2.9 million for proposals from a wide range of CDBs and from Údarás na Gaeltachta in respect of Gaeltacht areas. Building on the proposals received, I hope to bring further recommendations to Government, which will conclude the review of local and community development structures in the earlier part of next year. I anticipate that Government decisions arising from consideration of such recommendations will be published in due course.
