Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 217: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he intends to introduce new schemes or initiatives with a view to addressing rural or urban economic blight or deprivation throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37233/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that my Department operates, either directly or through bodies under its aegis, a wide range of schemes and projects which address rural and urban disadvantage throughout the country. The descriptions of these schemes are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie. I also refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions Nos. 420 of 15 November 2005, 3 of 19 May 2005, 118 and 119 of 14 April 2005 and 40 of 22 February 2005.

The foregoing is concrete and comprehensive evidence that my Department is committed to supporting communities as they tackle difficulties caused by disadvantage, exclusion and isolation. My Department will continue to make a sustained and strong, positive contribution to alleviating rural and urban disadvantage. Only this week, I announced the establishment of a new enterprise scheme for non-Gaeltacht islands. The purpose of the scheme is to encourage entrepreneurs to develop and set up a varied range of enterprises thus promoting the long-term sustainable development of the islands. Details of the scheme can be obtained from the relevant county enterprise boards and my Department's website.