Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 363: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made to date in the cohesion programme between LDSIP, Partnership companies and LEADER companies; the cost of the programme to date; the estimated cost of the cohesion programme once implemented; the expected rise in Exchequer spending or saving as a result. [24414/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my replies to Question No. 65 of 16th May and Nos. 98 and 100 of 21st March 2006 relating to the cohesion process.

As indicated in these replies, the core objective of the 2005/2006 round is the alignment of local, community and rural development structures to achieve full coverage within a given area. To date, I have approved proposals, which have been developed and agreed at local level, in 28 areas and my Department is considering proposals in relation to a further 18 areas.

The Deputy will be aware that the key principles governing the process are:

—improving on the ground services, supports and impacts on local communities, from within existing levels of resources,

—streamlining and rationalising structures so as to avoid overlaps, duplication and undue administrative overheads,

—bringing transparency, co-ordination and improved control to the funding and operation of local/community development measures,

—strengthening the democratic accountability of agencies and service providers in this area.

The primary benefit of the process will be improved service provision on the ground and optimum impact for expenditure in a given area rather than a saving in Exchequer spending. The availability of the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme on a countrywide basis will have resource implications and these will be addressed in the context of the Estimates for 2007.

Under the cohesion process, funding of €3,248,600 was allocated during 2004 to support specific measures developed by local agencies. A total of €4,836,927 was awarded in respect of cohesion initiatives during 2005, including €1,463,400 for the promotion of volunteering. The provision for 2006 is €4,273,000 from which I have approved €2,043,600 for cohesion actions as well as €76,600 for volunteering measures.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 364: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the need for a specific rural health strategy as proposed by Irish Rural Link; if he or officials within his Department have met with representatives of the Department of Health and Children or the Health Service Executive on such a proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24415/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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As outlined in the White Paper on Rural Development, the Government is committed to continuing to meet the challenges of providing healthcare services in rural communities.

The Deputy will appreciate that this is primarily a matter for my colleague, Mary Harney T.D., Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children and her officials to progress but I will, of course, continue to support any actions she has in relation to developing rural health services. My officials or I have not met with the Department of Health & Children or the Heath Services Executive in this regard to date.

Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 365: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if grant aid is available from his Department to refurbish a community centre (details supplied) in County Cork. [24500/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme of Grants for Locally-Based Community and Voluntary Organisations is funded by my Department and operates throughout the country. It is advertised annually and supports the activities of local voluntary and community groups in their community.

The 2005 Programme made funds available for small scale refurbishment of premises, for the purchase of essential equipment, including I.T. equipment, and for education, training and research. The maximum grant for refurbishment was €40,000; for equipment was €10,000; and for training, education and research was also €10,000.

The Scheme is currently being reviewed and the 2006 Programme will be advertised in the coming weeks in the national and provincial newspapers. I have arranged for a copy of the application form and guidelines to be sent to the group in question as soon as they become available should the group wish to make an application under this year's scheme.

It is possible also that funding for a project such as this may be available under the LEADER Programme. Further information on funding possibilities is available from the group's local LEADER company.