Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his Department's rural development initiatives; the level of coordination and integration with other Departments particularly in the area of health, education, transport and social welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36777/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department manages a number of programmes that support rural communities. In this context, my officials are in regular contact with other Departments regarding the operation of these schemes, where this is necessary for their effective and efficient implementation.

I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to two programmes in particular that my Department manages that are relevant in this regard. Firstly, under the CLÁR Programme, my Department co-funds a number of measures with a range of other Departments/Agencies such as: Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government; Local authorities; Department of Education and Science; Health Services Executive; Department of Communications, Marine and National Resources; and Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism.

The various measures under the Programme support a range of local and community infrastructural developments such as village/housing/ schools enhancement, electricity conversion, roads, water supply, sewage disposal, health, coastal, sports and community projects. The content of each of the measures and how they operate is agreed in advance with the relevant Department/Agency.

Secondly, in the implementation of the Rural Social Scheme, my Department is in regular contact with the Dept of Social and Family Affairs as the Scheme is aimed at providing support to low-income farmers and fishermen who are in receipt of long-term social welfare payments.

The Deputy should also note that my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Food, is currently drafting the new Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. At least €60m per year will be available under the Programme through a combination of European and National funding.

Finally, the Deputy should note that my Department is represented on all inter-departmental committees where issues relevant to rural communities are being discussed.