Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 91: To ask the Minister for Finance the preparations which have taken place regarding a replacement for the national development plan; and the way in which the inputs will be cobbled into a coherent programme. [38848/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Preparatory work has commenced on the National Development Plan 2007-2013. A high level steering group chaired by my Department and comprising senior officials of relevant Departments has been established to oversee the drafting of the plan. To provide an independent assessment, the Economic and Social Research Institute has been engaged to carry out an ex ante evaluation of the investment priorities for the next NDP. An extensive consultation process with key stakeholders, including the social partners and regional interests, will shortly commence. The overall objective of the process is to ensure that the plan delivers an integrated and coherent investment strategy.