Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2013
489. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will meet with the Kerry Oireachtas members to discuss his alignment proposals in respect of local development companies in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23887/13]
View answerSince the publication of Putting People First – Action Programme for Effective Local Government, the re has been a significant level of discussion and collaborative working on the proposals regarding the enhanced alignment between local government and local development.
Both my Department and I have had several engagements with representatives of the local development and community and voluntary sectors in relation to alignment and other issues of common interest and I am taking into account the issues raised in those engagements. An Alignment Working Group has been established to assist and advise me on the implementation of the alignment recommendations. This Group includes representatives of the Irish Local Development Network – the national representative body for Ireland's 50 local development companies – as well as the City and County Managers Association and Pobal. The Group is chaired and supported in its work by my Department.
I am very aware that change and reform bring challenges to all concerned. However, if we are to ensure that publicly-funded programmes are implemented in the most efficient and effective manner, then it is important that all stakeholders are involved and are encouraged to play a constructive role in those reforms. I am satisfied that the most appropriate avenues for dialogue with stakeholders are being pursued.
I will continue to ensure that the implementation of necessary reforms regarding publicly-funded programmes is carried forward in a collaborative manner and, in particular, that the Alignment Working Group promotes co-operation, trust and respect between the key stakeholders in its work.
