Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 8, inclusive, together.

Last July, the Government launched a major initiative for the Dublin north inner city with the establishment of a ministerial task force to oversee the long-term social and economic regeneration of the area. To support the work of the ministerial task force, Mr Kieran Mulvey was appointed to engage with the local community groups, representatives and other interests and to report back with specific recommendations. The terms of reference for this work were published in July and these include making recommendations on specific measures to support the long-term economic and social regeneration of the area, including in the areas of community safety and policing; early intervention programmes for children; education and training; employment opportunities; housing; improving the physical environment; tackling the impact of drugs; and community development, including family, youth and recreation activity. Part of the work involves reviewing and making recommendations on structures and procedures to ensure better co-ordination of statutory and non-statutory programmes in the area. A number of short-term measures were announced to help the community address some of the immediate challenges facing it, and these have been progressed by the responsible Departments and agencies.

Those Members close to the area will know that Mr. Kieran Mulvey has spent a lot of time in the area since he started his work last September. He has walked the area many times, visiting projects and residents, and he has engaged with the business community, local community and political representatives. Throughout this extensive period of consultation, he has formed his views on what is needed to regenerate the area and help the community of the north inner city. He briefed the ministerial task force in late December, setting out the main areas of recommendations. As promised, he met with members of the community on 1 February and set out the broad outline of the report, including the main areas of recommendations, providing time and space for the community to respond. I understand that was a very positive engagement and was well attended, with strong contributions covering a broad range of issues of importance to the community. Mr. Mulvey has finalised his report, which will be published later this week. I expect the Government to move quickly to respond to the report's recommendations and it will work with all the people involved to ensure a properly resourced implementation plan is put in place.

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