Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I assume the Deputy is referring to the census data and the SAHRU-Haase indices which Pobal uses to analyse deprivation and other matters. It is not true to say it is under continual review because an extensive review of CLÁR and RAPID areas was conducted in light of the 2006 census over the past number of years and before I took up office, a number of decisions were taken to increase the number of towns to be included and to adjust the boundaries in a number of RAPID areas. I agree wholeheartedly with the Deputy that we need to constantly monitor the needs of communities, which is why this issue does not only apply to RAPID and CLÁR. The LCDP programme and local partnership and Leader companies are also significant actors in combatting social exclusion and deprivation in communities. My Department has a co-ordinating function and it helps to encourage and leverage support from other State agencies and Departments.

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