Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

The independent evidence to which the Deputy refers comes from communities throughout the country which indicate that the system is working. Experts can say one thing, while ordinary people can say another. However, those who are important to me are the ordinary people of this country. The latter really appreciate the progress we have made. That progress has been slow because we have tried to do things on foot of consultation. It might not be great but it would certainly be quick if one could do it by diktat. However, that is not the way we do business.

The bringing of the community services project under the remit of the Department has meant that in many instances where we are providing capital, we will also be able to provide ongoing service provision. The delivery of the RAPID programme, which has grown quite considerably and which is seen by the relevant communities as vital to their future, is dealt with on a much more co-ordinated basis. The bringing together of the Leader and partnership companies so that one company in each area will deliver services will, in time, give rise to enormous benefits. The placing of the rural social scheme under existing structures so that a Leader company with capital might use the labour available under the scheme to develop community projects has been a major benefit.

People are beginning to see the practicalities and common sense in having a Department with many bodies that complement each other under its aegis. They also see the logic in that Department ensuring that a co-ordinated approach is taken in respect of service delivery.

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