asked the Taoiseach if he is aware that community development is now recognised in many countries as a major instrument of economic and social progress, and that numerous successful experiments in the application of this idea to Irish rural problems have been reported over the past few years; and, if so, whether the Government have initiated any studies of the techniques and methods of community development with a view to the formulation and implementation of a national community development programme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Community Development.
4.
The term "community development" connotes the processes by which the voluntary efforts of the people themselves are united with the efforts of the Government to improve the economic, social and cultural conditions of communities.
In this country, the work of voluntary rural organisations directed towards community development has received the support and co-operation of Government Departments and agencies. I am aware that many successful projects have been promoted by these organisations.
A suggestion in the Report of the inter-Departmental Committee on the Problems of Small Farms, relating to co-operation, at local level, between rural organisations and representatives of Government Departments, is at present under consideration.
A meeting of the European Study Group on Community Development is at present being held at Gormanston under the auspices of Muintir na Tíre and with Government assistance, at which the scope for, and methods of, community development, related to Irish conditions, are being considered.