An Alignment Implementation Group will be established by my Department to assist and advise on the implementation of the recommendations of the Alignment Steering Group. The Implementation Group will be chaired and managed by my Department and comprise representatives from local government (via the City/County Managers Association) local development (from the Irish Local Development Network) and Pobal. It will be open to the Group to invite other stakeholders to contribute as required.
The Implementation Group will input to the practical arrangements necessary to give effect to the new local structures, including the new Socio-Economic Committees to be established in each local authority administrative area. The Group will also inform and support actions in respect of capacity building for the Socio- Economic Committees, local authorities and local development companies.
Nominations have been sought from the respective parties. The Implementation Group will convene its first meeting shortly.
Question No. 165 answered with Question No. 134.