Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know from where the Deputy is coming. We are speaking the same language and I would like to discuss the matter further with him. I am not having a go at him. In my view, I amalgamated the RAPID and community enhancement programmes. The Deputy will dispute that, which is fine. I accept that. The core budget line was €4.5 million. Thereafter, savings became available from elsewhere in the Department. I would be worried if that money was not being targeted at the intended areas. I acknowledge that the Deputy did not make that point. I want the money targeted at the people in the areas identified under the RAPID programme who need it most.

A review was carried out this year on the community enhancement programme because I do not want it to become a slush fund to be used by councils for other works they wish to undertake. The programme must target the most disadvantaged in society. That is why the LCDCs are of such importance. I expect them to take a bottom-up approach and to identify where the needs are, where the money should be spent and who should receive it. I am prepared to listen to the Deputy because he is saying the same things as I am. I want the money to be spent on the people who need it most.

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