Vol. 533 No. 5
44 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will provide an up-date on progress in implementing the recommendations from the White Paper on Rural Development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9286/01]
The White Paper on Rural Development sets out a vision and a framework for the development of rural communities and marks a new approach and commitment by Government to rural development. The overall strategy decided by Government provides for bal anced regional development to ensure that the benefits of economic and social progress are distributed throughout rural areas, investment in services and infrastructure, sustainable economic development, human resources development and a determined focus on poverty and social exclusion.
The national development plan is the vehicle for delivering the commitments in the White Paper. There is a specific chapter on rural development with a commitment to public investment of £6.7 billion over the next seven years in actions which directly impact on rural areas. These range from payments to farmers on, for example, headage and REPS, to rural infrastructure, capital investment in the food sector and rural enterprises. Many of the other investments proposed in the plan will also have indirect benefits for rural communities such as employment development, better roads and transport services, new housing and improved health services.
It is not practical here to outline progress on every topic covered in the White Paper. However, I am sending separately to the Deputy a detailed progress report prepared by my Department which outlines the position as at December last. This report is updated every six months in consultation with the other Departments whose activities and programmes contribute to the achievement of the White Paper commitments.
