Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

The cohesion process, by which the number of partnerships, community partnerships and Leader companies has been reduced dramatically, from 95 to 55, was part of an ongoing process in my Department to examine structures to ensure efficient delivery.

Regarding the Irish language, Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge, which had existed for many years, has been subsumed into the work of Foras na Gaeilge, as has the administration of the Colmcille initiative which was decided by myself and Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure in the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr. Campbell, last Friday. With the Minister of State, Deputy John Curran, and the officials in my Department I have been engaged in an exercise to examine every programme and every line of expenditure in the Department to ensure they are focused in the best way.

Despite the challenging times, major new opportunities can be exploited, particularly this year with the commencement of the largest ever rural development programme. I look forward to the building of a strong diversified economy in rural Ireland through this programme which is due to come into operation later this year. I fully recognise the challenges faced by people at this time, particularly by individuals who have lost their jobs. My heart goes out to them because I worked for a long time in employment creation. However, I am equally convinced that if we have courage, vision and confidence, we can overcome these challenges, ensure the resumption of economic growth and at the same time protect the weakest in society.

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