Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 123 of 9 November 2004, in which I stated I had undertaken a wide range of initiatives in support of rural economies, including the establishment and expansion of the CLÁR programme; establishment of the rural social scheme; small food producers forum and co-ordinator; Comhairle na Tuaithe; and a review of enterprise supporting rural areas. The establishment of the CLÁR programme has enabled me to support physical, economic and social infrastructure across a wide range of measures and has the potential to create additional jobs through improved productivity and delivery of services.

The rural social scheme established in 2004 provides for improved rural services directly while ensuring an income and employment support for farmers who can no longer make a viable living on the land, within a working arrangement compatible with farming. This scheme was designed specifically for farm families and its operations and structures are operated in a farmer-friendly manner. It recognises that farmers have a wealth of experience and talents, which need to be preserved for future generations, and these talents are being harnessed for the good of the community. The scheme focuses on the provision of direct services in the community.

My Department has also funded the appointment of a small food producers co-ordinator to work, under the aegis of Comhar Leader na hÉireann, with artisan and traditional food producers. This initiative is aimed at identifying barriers inhibiting small food producers, ranging from the scale of the enterprise, access to funding and distribution, marketing and promotion as well as the provision of skills and training and the regulatory environment.

I established Comhairle na Tuaithe in February 2004. It includes representatives of farmer, recreational users, tourism marketing bodies and other interested groups. Comhairle na Tuaithe works on conflict resolution in regard access to the countryside, the development of a countryside code and a countryside recreation strategy.

In conjunction with the Ministers for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Arts, Sport and Tourism, I initiated a review of enterprise support in rural areas. My Department, in conjunction with the two other Departments, is examining the recommendations of the consultant's report. In further support of rural areas, my Department continues to oversee the delivery of a number of programmes. These comprise the Leader programme; rural development fund; PEACE II programme; rural initiative measure of INTERREG; and farm relief services.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

Under the Leader+ and area-based rural development initiatives, my Department provides almost €150 million in funding for the implementation of agreed business plans for the development of all rural areas between 2000 and 2006. These initiatives include the provision of important support to indigenous rural enterprises and small food producers in strengthening and developing their capacity.

I also support a number of pilot projects from my Department's rural development fund to regenerate particularly disadvantaged rural areas through a variety of community initiatives. The cross-Border rural development measures of the PEACE II programme aim to promote agriculture and rural development co-operation in the Border area. The rural initiative measure of the INTERREG Ireland-Northern Ireland programme is aimed at encouraging rural businesses and communities to engage in the development of their area.

My Department also provides funding to the farm relief services measure of the national development plan. The funding is primarily aimed at training of farm relief operatives and staff with smaller elements for infrastructure and research and development. In addition, the Government programme of decentralisation will promote regional balance and will result in the relocation of a wide range of Departments in whole or in part and a significant number of high quality jobs to areas outside Dublin. My Department will relocate to Knock Airport and na Forbacha.

EU proposals on the future of rural development should provide further opportunities, post-2006, to strengthen and develop the capacity of rural areas.

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