Martin Ferris
Ceist:334 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will hold consultations on the new EU regulation on rural development. [18051/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 31 May 2005
Ceisteanna (318)
Freagraí scríofa
Rural development measures implemented under the draft Council regulation will be funded from the European agricultural fund for rural development, EAFRD. The regulation stipulates that in relation to assistance from the fund:
member states shall create the conditions for a broad and effective involvement of all appropriate bodies, in accordance with national rules and practices . . . The involvement provided for will include consultation with: (a) the competent regional, local authorities and other public authorities; (b) the economic and social partners; (c) any other appropriate body representing civil society, non-governmental, especially environmental, organisations and bodies responsible for promoting equality between men and women.
Accordingly, my Department looks forward to arranging a stakeholder consultation process later this year.