Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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137. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government with regard to the reorganisation of the Avondhu Blackwater Partnership Ltd. and Leader groups throughout the country, the measures he has introduced to ensure that rural communities will not lose community workers; the safeguards that have been put in place in order that the community spirit and co-operation that has been built up by Leader groups over the years will not be lost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20378/14]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The changes that I am bringing forward under the reform of local government and arising from the Local Government Reform Act 2014, will see the establishment of Local Community Development Committees in each local authority area. In line with the plans to enhance the role of local government in local and community development, these committees will oversee community and local development programmes funded by my Department. These programmes will continue to be delivered locally and I envisage a continued role for Local Development Companies in the delivery of the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme (RDP). Therefore, the skills and experience that have been built up will continue to be available and utilised locally.

Furthermore, Local Development Companies will be members of Local Community Development Committees, which will also involve stakeholders from local government, state agencies and the community and voluntary sector through the new public participation networks and will play a key role in the development of the community elements of the local economic and community plan.