Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he intends that the national strategy for rural development as required by the EU Framework on Rural Development and presently being prepared by his Department and the Department of Agriculture and Food will be completed and ready for submission to the European Commission before the Dáil Éireann summer 2006 recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22740/06]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 91: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will elaborate on the alternative sustainable energy policy priorities proposed under the new national strategy for rural development which is currently being prepared. [22788/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 91 together.

Ireland's Rural Development National Strategy Plan 2007-2013 is currently with the European Commission. My Department officials have met with the Commission and are awaiting agreement on it. The Strategy covers both the agricultural and forestry sectors, as well as the wider rural economy.

Under the third objective or axis of the Strategy dealing with the off-farm rural economy which is primarily under the remit of my Department, the development and adaptation of alternative sustainable energy sources, appropriate to the specific needs of local rural communities, is an important priority.

Following on from the imminent adoption of the overall National Strategy, a detailed National Rural Development Programme will be formulated and implemented from 2007. All stakeholders will be consulted on the potential content of the programme, including environmentally friendly initiatives and alternative sustainable energy options for local communities.