Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Finance the schedule of presentation of programmes under the national development plan. [33169/06]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will confirm reports that local community groups will be allowed to bid for direct funds under the new national development plan; the maximum amount of funding per group; the qualifying criteria which will apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33097/06]

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans for the ring fencing of funding under the next national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33063/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 131 and 135 together.

The National Development Plan 2007-2013 will be a high level strategic document which will provide the framework for investment over the next seven years. The Plan will in particular seek to address the investment necessary to maintain national competitiveness and promote regional development within a sustainable economic and budgetary framework. Whilst the precise details of the Plan will have to await its publication it will focus on investment priorities and programmes in public, economic and social infrastructure including roads, public transport, environmental services, energy, housing, education, health, childcare and R&D. The Plan will also address investment in human capital, social inclusion and in enterprise development including agriculture, tourism and marine. The Plan will also address a number of horizontal themes including Regional Development, Environmental Sustainability, The Rural Economy and All-Island Co-operation.

The Plan will set out indicative national seven year allocations in the key programme areas. The allocation of these indicative amounts at project level will generally be a matter for individual Ministers, Departments and implementing agencies as appropriate over the period of the Plan. This would include any NDP allocations that may be available to community groups. Project level allocation will of course have to be consistent with the strategic goals of the NDP including maintaining national competitiveness, regional development, promotion of social inclusion and environmental sustainability. Work is continuing on the preparation of the Plan. When completed, the Plan will be submitted to Government for consideration and approval.

Given these considerations, it is intended that the Plan will be published around mid January next.