Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2018
406. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to outline the status of his Department's review of local community development committees; the improvements that have been made as a result of this review in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19059/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal Community Development Committees (LCDCs) have been established in all 31 local authority areas since Autumn 2015. They were established for the purpose of bringing about a more joined-up approach to local and community development in their respective areas. They typically comprise between 15 and 19 members, with stakeholders drawn from public bodies, as well as local development, community and voluntary, social inclusion and a range of other community interests.
A review of LCDCs was commenced in October 2017. The objective of the review is to develop an understanding of the LCDC landscape nationwide and the challenges facing the structures, identify opportunities for strengthening and enhancing them, and to make recommendations for their ongoing and future development.
A Steering Group has been established to oversee the review. It is chaired by an official from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and includes members drawn from my own Department, local authorities and the North West Regional Assembly.
My Department has undertaken a very broad consultation process and an analysis of the data collected is ongoing. The review will culminate with a report outlining the key findings and conclusions, and setting out recommendations for future development of the structures. I anticipate a draft report will be submitted for my consideration early in Q3, 2018.
It is too early to comment on possible improvements at this stage of the review process.
