Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason action has not been taken by his Department on foot of its publication of the review of enterprise supports in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36864/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The review of enterprise support in rural areas, published in January 2005, remains under consideration in my Department following consultation with my colleagues, the Ministers for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Arts, Sport and Tourism, whose areas of responsibility are also covered in the report.

As I previously advised the Deputy, the rural enterprise report will be examined in the context of the post-2006 EU rural development programme which places special emphasis on rural economic development outside the farm gate and, in particular, the creation of new micro-enterprises and jobs.

At present, my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Food are finalising the preparation of a national strategy for rural development from which the national programme for rural development will be developed during 2006. This will reflect a strong emphasis on the need to support rural micro-enterprises.