Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 October 2004
162 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the situation regarding the future of, and financial support for, community development programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22782/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra238 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there will be no reduction in real terms in the funding by his Department of the community and voluntary sector in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22798/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 238 together.
Under Partnership 2000 the Government committed itself to identifying 30 priority areas for inclusion in the community development programme. Some 15 of these priority areas were funded in 2003. A further 15 pre-development projects have been approved, in principle, for inclusion in the community development programme. A total of €500,000 has been set aside to fund these projects later in 2004.
The Government recognises that local and community development measures are contributing significantly to tackling a range of challenges at local and community level. However, the number and complexity of structures involved in the delivery of these programmes is extensive and complex. With this in mind, a review of the structures employed in the delivery of local and community development programmes has been undertaken. Arising from the review of local and community development structures, the Government has decided that public bodies and Departments should look to existing structures for delivery of new local or community development initiatives. In this regard, the Government also decided that any further community development projects established will be on the basis of maximising recourse to existing structures.
Of the 15 pre-development projects included in the programme, 12 have submitted work plans. The Department is currently working with these projects to determine how they can be brought on stream in 2004 in a way which maximises recourse to existing structures.
With regard to the funding provided for the administration of the programme, some €20.6 million was allocated to the community development programme in 2004. The amount to be allocated to the programme in 2005 will be determined in the context of the 2005 Estimates.
