Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I disagree with the Deputy because if one takes the north inner city of Dublin, in 2017 we gave €2.5 million, in 2018 we gave €3.5 million and in 2019, it will receive €6.5 million. This funding is targeted to the greatest disadvantage.

On the RAPID programme referred to by the Deputy, the value-for-money report that was produced on it specifically stated it was not to be run in the way it had been run in the past. I was obliged to change it.

The Deputy must agree with me that the LCDC groups are drawn from the community. They include elected representatives and representatives of community groups in the disadvantaged areas. If these groups do not know where the disadvantage is, then who does? I have tried this scheme and I am prepared to give it a chance. I will evaluate it, however. I, like the Deputy, want to ensure that this funding is given to those who need it most and I do not want it used for anything else.

I take the Deputy's points on board. I am reviewing but I do want to see that funding targeted. I believe the people on the LCDCs are those who should know best, as they are the people on the ground and they should know their own local communities.

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