Ms Anne Kavanagh:

The second phase of the social inclusion and community activation programme reflected the reality of the need for broader-based community development to work and involved a rebalancing from the tight focus on employment in the first social inclusion and community activation programme. It would be helpful if new programmes at national level were not designed within the context of a single Department only.

There should be cross-departmental involvement in the design of programmes which then can serve to avoid duplication and support the creation of programmes that will identify gaps and provide services that are needed. Broad-based community development is a significant part of that, particularly in disadvantaged communities, for example, in Limerick city.