Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013
74. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of meetings organised since March 2011 at national level between his Department and the chairs and co-ordinators of the RAPID teams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33730/13]
View answer86. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the dates on which the RAPID national co-ordinating committee has met since he was appointed Minister; if he has attended these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33728/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 86 together.
The National Monitoring Committee for the RAPID programme met on 6 October 2010. My Department last met with RAPID Chairs and Coordinators at a conference in February 2012 as part of an extensive consultation process in the context of the development of local government reform proposals. As part of my continuing engagement with both the local development and local government sectors, I have met with many of the Chairs and Coordinators at different times and in various fora. No meeting of the National Monitoring Committee is scheduled at present. I am keen that a focus is maintained on all RAPID areas, through the range of local and community development interventions which are available on an area basis. Enhanced alignment between local government and local development is intended to improve the targeting of such local development activity. In that context, there will be an opportunity for a stronger, collaborative, focus to be put on support for RAPID areas. In implementing local government reform decisions, my Department will continue to consult, as necessary, with relevant stakeholders.
