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Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 June 2013

Wednesday, 12 June 2013

Ceisteanna (36)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

36. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the new initiatives taken by him to tackle the problems in areas of high deprivation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28050/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

While a number of Government Departments have initiatives to tackle problems in areas of high deprivation, my Department focuses in particular on community and housing issues. My Department’s Community Division has two key objectives: to facilitate integrated development at local level and foster vibrant, sustainable and inclusive communities; and to support the Community and Voluntary Sector in its contribution to an active, democratic and pluralist society.

In this regard, my Department is responsible for a range of programmes and initiatives to support communities experiencing high deprivation. These include the Local and Community Development Programme, the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, the Seniors Alert Scheme, the RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development) Programme, the Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector, as well as other supports for volunteering, the Forum on Philanthropy and Fundraising and the EU co-funded Peace IIII and Interreg IVA programmes. Many of these programmes and schemes prioritise disadvantaged communities, focusing on those most in need.

My Department’s housing capital programme also places a very high priority on continued support for urban regeneration, including the very large schemes typified by those in Dublin and Limerick but also through a programme of works in individual estates around the country. The regeneration programme places a central importance on social and economic regeneration to accompany the rebuilding of the physical fabric of disadvantaged communities.

One of my main priorities has been fundamentally to review and re-shape local government, and that focus has led to the publication in October 2012 of Putting People First and the report on the alignment of Local Government and Local Development. In the changing landscape for the community and local government sectors, and having regard to my Department’s response to differing priorities, my primary concern is to ensure that front-line services, particularly those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities, are protected to the greatest extent possible.

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