The following is the position for my Department regarding VFM reviews under the current round:
(1) Drugs Initiative — Local Drugs Task Forces — Completed and laid before the Oireachtas
(2) Scéimeanna Feabhsúcháin sa Ghaeltacht (Gaeltacht Improvement Schemes) — Completed and laid before the Oireachtas.
(3) Capital Programme for Offshore Islands — Completed and laid before the Oireachtas.
(4) Ciste na Gaeilge (Fund for Irish Language Projects) — In final stages of completion — publication expected shortly.
(5) Local Development Social Inclusion Programme — In final stages of completion — publication expected shortly.
(6) CLÁR and RAPID: Leveraged Funding Schemes — Target for completion end-2008.
In addition to the six VFM reviews above, my Department commenced last year a policy review of the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund, which operates under the Drugs Initiative. This review is expected to be completed shortly. A review of the Western Investment Fund is also scheduled to commence shortly.
The three priority recommendations arising from the completed review of the Local Drugs Task Forces have been implemented. Work is ongoing in relation to the final recommendation, in liaison with the HSE and the Department of Health and Children.
With regard to the Scéimeanna Feabhsúcháin review, six of the recommendations have been implemented or are in the course of implementation. A number of others are being considered within the context of the recently completed Report of the Linguistic Study of the Use of Irish in the Gaeltacht.
Arising from the Scéimeanna Feabhsúcháin review and the recently completed review of the Capital Programme for Offshore Islands, my Department implemented a significant re-alignment of work practices/processes within the relevant Departmental sections. Issues raised in the Islands Review in relation to the support of sustainable energy planning and development are being addressed in co-operation with Sustainable Energy Ireland (including the commissioning of a pilot study on energy use on na hOileáin Árann). The need for project management support is being addressed through provision of relevant training, while the development of a suite of performance monitoring indicators is also being advanced.
I understand that arrangements for the next round of reviews, which may cover the period 2009-2011, are being considered by the Value for Money and Policy Review Central Steering Committee.