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Ministerial Priorities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 September 2020

Thursday, 17 September 2020

Questions (27, 28, 250)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

27. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands her plans to ensure maximum positive impact on the community, rural development and the islands aspect of her portfolio with particular reference to the maximisation of employment opportunities throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24328/20]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

28. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands the mission statement in respect of her portfolio; the degree to which she expects to expand and enhance opportunities and quality of life for persons in their respective locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24329/20]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

250. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands the mission statement of her Department with particular reference to rejuvenation of rural towns and villages nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24557/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Mission Statement of my Department, as set out in its published Statement of Strategy is: “To promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland."

Behind that mission lie a number of key objectives:

- creating conditions to support increased economic opportunities and local employment in all areas of the country

- delivering schemes and programmes that support the revitalisation of towns and villages

- improving access to services and social networks that ensure a high quality of life

- enabling communities disadvantaged by location or social issues to reach their full potential

- supporting communities to have a voice to shape their own future

My Department has begun the process of consulting on and developing a new Statement of Strategy. The Departments mission and objectives will be reviewed in the context of the new Programme for Government; many of the objectives listed above will remain as key Government priorities, and the Strategy will set out the ways in which we aim to deliver positive outcomes for rural Ireland and all communities.

I am also delighted to have been given responsibility for policy and programme delivery for our Islands, and this important policy area will also feature in the new Statement of Strategy.

In respect of delivering enhanced opportunities to communities throughout Ireland, I am satisfied that through its various funding supports and policies the work of my Department is having an important and positive impact across the country.

The continued economic and social development of rural Ireland during these challenging times is supported by various targeted investments in rural Ireland. These include the €1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund whose objective is to strengthen rural economies and communities. Other funding supports provided by the Department include the town and village renewal programme, the Community Services Programme and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) - all delivering for communities.

These programmes are  investing in projects that will bring much needed employment opportunities and social benefits to towns and villages across Ireland and it is my intention that this objective will remain a key focus of programme delivery in my Department into the future.

In addition, my Department continues to work with colleagues across Government to drive positive rural and community development and to deliver policies and initiatives that consider the economic and social recovery needs of all communities, regardless of location.

These policies include the implementation of Ireland’s first National Policy on Social Enterprise, and Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities: A five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. The Department is also in the process of finalising a new rural development policy to follow on from the Action Plan for Rural Development.

I am determined that the important work of my Department will continue to deliver available funding and supports that lead to positive visible impacts for all of our communities. My Departments supports are now needed by communities more than ever.

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