Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 49: To ask the Minister for Community; Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for the future expansion if any under the RAPID and CLARP programmes; if any strategic decisions have been taken as to the way in which can be most effectively utilised in the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39452/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Through its focus on deprivation and social exclusion, the RAPID programme is continuing to address the impact of the economic downturn on vulnerable communities and to provide opportunities for social and economic recovery. In order to ensure the programme's continued relevance, a review of RAPID area boundaries, including an analysis of data from the 2006 census across a range of socioeconomic and deprivation indicators, was undertaken to ensure that areas are appropriately targeting the most disadvantaged communities. Following this, the Government approved the inclusion of five new towns in the RAPID programme in 2009: Ballina, Dungarvan, Enniscorthy, Mullingar and Rathkeale. The review also proposed changes to the boundaries of some of the other 46 RAPID areas and these have been implemented.

This year, €5 million was allocated for the RAPID leverage schemes through which my Department co-funds with other Departments and agencies a range of small-scale local projects such as playgrounds, traffic measures, health facilities, CCTV and sports facilities. In this regard, I assure the Deputy that my primary focus will continue to be to ensure that the front line services provided by, or supported through, my Department, and especially those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities, are protected.

The CLÁR programme has continued to invest in infrastructure and services in rural areas, with an estimated €7 million to be spent this year. This funding, in turn, leverages a significant co-funding from other agencies and Departments. Recent spending under CLÁR has mostly been in the areas of water infrastructure and health facilities in rural areas. In the context of the overall funding available to my Department next year, I will consider how best to continue to allocate funding in support of rural areas, taking account of the Government's Capital Expenditure Review and Infrastructure Investment Priorities 2010-2016.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Does the Minister agree that in the current economic climate it is more important than ever to focus on areas of social and economic exclusion in both urban and rural settings? Has he updated the data available to him to account for 2010 and for projections for 2011, with particular reference to these areas now more than ever?

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to the census data and the SAHRU-Haase indices which Pobal uses to analyse deprivation and other matters. It is not true to say it is under continual review because an extensive review of CLÁR and RAPID areas was conducted in light of the 2006 census over the past number of years and before I took up office, a number of decisions were taken to increase the number of towns to be included and to adjust the boundaries in a number of RAPID areas. I agree wholeheartedly with the Deputy that we need to constantly monitor the needs of communities, which is why this issue does not only apply to RAPID and CLÁR. The LCDP programme and local partnership and Leader companies are also significant actors in combatting social exclusion and deprivation in communities. My Department has a co-ordinating function and it helps to encourage and leverage support from other State agencies and Departments.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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The Minister stated €12 million was allocated to the RAPID and CLÁR programmes. Are any of the projects dependent on funding from other Departments or agencies on hold because of cutbacks? Have projects approved under these programmes been finalised by the Minister's Department? If not, can an arrangement be brokered whereby funding is provided for good projects when another agency cannot provide it and they are put on hold? How much of the €12 million has been drawn down so far this year?

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I have to check that because I do not want to give an answer off the top of my head. I met the co-ordinating group for the RAPID programme a fortnight ago. Most of the programmes are small in scale because the same leveraging of funding is not available. I checked over the past week to ascertain what is outstanding and there is a reasonable amount.

This year, €5 million was allocated for the RAPID leverage schemes through which my Department co-funds with other Departments and agencies a range of small-scale local projects such as playgrounds, traffic measures, health facilities, CCTV and sports facilities. It is making a difference. I visited the RAPID project in Kilkenny last week and what it has done for the community is extraordinary. Sports facilities have been upgraded, a riverside walk and a playground built and a family resource centre has been established. RAPID turns the key to unlock a great deal of other stuff and there are good examples in Cork as well.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Will the Minister confirm that he is aware of the significant downturn in the economy since 2007? Projections based on data from that time are out of date. Based on recent developments in the economy and the number of applications received by his Department under both headings, will he outline the extent to which he can or will re-evaluate the requirements for both the RAPID and CLÁR programmes in the coming and subsequent years?

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I know where the Deputy is coming from but the strength of the RAPID initiative is it applies to a limited number of areas, which are significantly economically and socially disadvantaged. If a programme such as this is spread around, its effectiveness is diluted. However, there is merit in using, for example, the quarterly national household survey conducted by the CSO to get a clearer picture of the up to date position. The social inclusion division of my Department is involved in monitoring changes in income and employment levels.