Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the position in relation to future EU regional funding will be announced; the way in which he envisages that such funding should be allocated on the ground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18152/06]

Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the formulation of a joint national strategy for rural development; if representatives from his Department are engaging with the European Commission on this issue in advance of publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18128/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 109 together.

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, together with the Department of Agriculture and Food are currently engaged in preparing a national strategy for rural development as required by the EU framework on rural development. This strategy will form the basis for a national programme containing detailed support measures for the period 2007 — 2013. The programme, which will require EU Commission approval, will provide support to promote three broad rural objectives:

Improve the competitiveness of the agriculture and food sector; Improve and protect the environment and countryside; and Enhance the quality of life in rural areas and diversify the rural economy.

Measures under this third objective, directed towards improving the economic and social well being of rural communities will focus on actions such as: Promoting economic activity locally, including, for example, the development of indigenous rural resources in artisan food, forestry, marine, rural/agritourism and cultural heritage; Developing local initiatives essential to community well-being, with particular focus on the availability of local culture and leisure facilities; Village and countryside enhancement; and environmentally friendly initiatives and conservation of areas of high natural and cultural value.

An indicative amount of EU funding for rural development programming was agreed at the December 2005 European Council. While the distribution of EU funds between Member States will have to be formally agreed at an upcoming meeting of the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers, Ireland's allocation will include a specific amount of €500 million already agreed at the European Council.

The allocation of the funding for the next rural programme, to individual measures, will reflect the essential balance between the priorities of continuing to support current successful measures such as those targeting a sustainable agri-environment while, at the same time, acknowledging and supporting the key contribution being made to rural areas by the wider rural economy.