Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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157. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the traditional services provided by local authorities are likely to continue in the context of the reform of local government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20937/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I refer to the reply to Question No. 609 of 5 February 2013, which sets out the position in this matter.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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158. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department has identified the impact of the cost cutting requirements on the services which he inherited; the way this is affecting the capacity to provide continued service throughout the sector and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20938/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Details of funding available to my Department this year as provided for in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2013 , together with the spending outturns in 2011 and 2012, are set out in the following table.

While funding for my Department’s activities has been reduced in line with the constrained economic climate, it remains significant - €1.25 billion in 2013. It has been necessary to prioritise resources to ensure that our programmes contribute, to the maximum extent possible and with enhanced efficiency, to the overall Government objective of economic recovery and increased employment, while at the same time assisting those most in need of support.

The total funding of some €1.25 billion available in 2013 will be used to make maximum progress across the range of programmes for which my Department is responsible, including protecting the environment; providing necessary housing supports; investing in water services infrastructure; and fostering community and rural development in partnership with local government and other local development bodies.