Paul Connaughton
Ceist:22 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason there is a long delay in publishing a White Paper on rural development. [16914/99]
Written Answers. - White Paper on Rural Development.
The implementation of policies which impact on rural areas involve almost all Government Departments and a large number of State bodies. The interdepartmental committee which was established to prepare the White Paper on Rural Development has been engaged in wide ranging consultations with individuals, groups and organisations, including the social partners, with an interest in rural development and in co-ordinating the contributions of the various Departments. This has been a time consuming process. The preparations are now almost complete and it is intended to submit a draft White Paper to Government for approval shortly with a view to publication this month. Publication will be in advance of the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, so that commitments in the White Paper can be reflected in the plan.