Jim Mitchell
Ceist:2 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Taoiseach the way in which the area-based partnerships will work; and the voluntary organisations and State bodies involved in each of the partnership areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Area Based Partnerships.
Under the local development programme 33 areas have been designated as disadvantaged areas. The objective in these areas is through an integrated socio-economic action plan to:
(i) improve the chances of the long term unemployed of obtaining employment, especially where opportunities arise in their own areas, or of setting up a business,
(ii) help those at risk of early school leaving to get the maximum benefit from the educational system,
(iii) enhance the capacity of local organisations-communities to participate fully in local development,
(iv) help the development of effective community based organisations,
(v) result in substantial improvements in the physical environment.
In the designated areas, a partnership structure will be put in place. This involves establishing a partnership company, limited by guarantee, with a board of directors comprising representatives of the State agencies operating in the area, the social partners and the local community. The task of the partnership company is to draw up an action plan based on the needs and resources of the area in the context of the objectives of the local development programme and then act as the catalyst to have the plan implemented.
The preparation of the action plans and the specific priorities within that plan are entirely for the partnership company. Funding will be available under the National Development Plan through the operational programme for local development with matching funding provided through the Vote of my Department. In addition, private sector funds such as from the enterprise trust, will be available to partnerships.
The process of identifying the specific boundaries of each designated area is proceeding. This involves consultation, including at local level, and the process will also involve identifying relevant social partner, State agencies and organisations or groups who would contribute effectively to the development of the areas with a view to forming a Partnership structure. The State agencies, where relevant, are operating in each of the designated areas. I do not have details of the voluntary organisations currently operating in these areas.