Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are 50 local development companies contracted on my Department’s behalf to deliver the local and community development programme, LCDP, 35 of which also deliver the Leader elements of the Rural Development Programme, RDP, 2007-2013. These companies also deliver a range of other programmes and interventions on behalf of other Departments and funders. The local development companies are independent companies with their own boards of management. My Department has no role in relation to staffing or employment matters. These are matters for the board of each company, as the employer, to manage.

My Department recently met SIPTU and staff representatives from the local development companies, at their request, to discuss a number of issues concerning the implications of the alignment process. The Department reiterated that it remains the responsibility of the companies as the employers to engage with their staff and to keep them apprised of progress.

The alignment working group, which is actively progressing the alignment recommendations to enhance alignment between local government and local development, comprises representatives of the County and City Managers Association, the Irish Local Development Network and Pobal, and is chaired and supported in its work by my Department. The Irish Local Development Network has three representatives on the working group. It is a matter for that body to select nominees to fill these positions. It is also the responsibility of the representatives from each sector to consult their nominating bodies, staff and other relevant stakeholders as part of this process. I encourage such dialogue by all parties.

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