Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 30 together. As Deputy Feighan is aware, in the current economic circumstances we are faced with difficult decisions. The Government has considered several measures in the context of the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014 to provide the basis for a sustainable approach to the current financial situation. Throughout Government, our approach has been to do this in as balanced a way as possible. Taking into account the recent Supplementary Estimate and the full year funding associated with functions transferred into and out of the Department during 2010, gross funding for my Department is reduced by a total of 13% in 2011, current funding by 6% and capital funding by 28%. Within this context, my primary concern is to make every effort to ensure that the daily front line services provided with funding from my Department are protected, especially those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities.

In our current financial circumstances it is clear that objectives must be pursued with less resources than previously. However, we will continue to strive to achieve good outcomes and value for money notwithstanding these constraints. Every saving that can be made from cutting back on overheads will be pursued such that the urban, rural, Gaeltacht and island communities we serve retain, to the greatest extent possible, the services that have been developed in partnership with them over the years. Different areas throughout my Department's Vote will experience different levels of adjustment next year. For example, the reduction in current funding proposed under the national drugs strategy for my Department next year will be some 1.2% and I am confident that front line services provided in this area will not be adversely affected.

In terms of rural development, the 2011 proposed allocation will provide for increased investment in the rural economy. Significantly advancing the roll out of the Leader programme will be a key priority for the Department in 2011 and this is reflected in a substantially increased allocation for the programme next year. The programme continues to play a key role in enhancing the economic potential of the rural community and in creating jobs and improving the quality of life in rural areas. Overall, Deputy Feighan should note that details as to the manner in which the funding will be allocated between various programmes will be published in due course in the Revised Estimates Volume.

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