Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 265: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he will increase his spending under the RAPID programme; if he will initiate new schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43212/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department, with the support of Pobal, has overall responsibility for the co-ordination of the RAPID programme. It is a matter for each Department to respond to issues of increased funding within their area of responsibility. I introduced the Leverage Schemes in 2004. My Department directly funds schemes to provide playgrounds, improve traffic measures, improve health facilities, provide CCTV, support sporting organisations as well as improve local authority housing estates and flat complexes. All funds are matched by funding from other Departments and Agencies. The schemes are aimed at small-scale capital works — works that require relatively small amounts of funding but can produce real and concrete benefits to communities. Since the introduction of these Schemes I have increased the amount of money allocated annually from some €6.5m in 2004 to some €11.0m in 2006. Drawdown of the funds takes place when works are completed and not necessarily in the year of allocation. The timing of completion of works is obviously outside of the control of my Department. I am satisfied that the provision in the Abridged Estimates Volume for 2007 will enable me to maintain this level of commitment. I am constantly reviewing the Schemes available to ensure that they are serving the needs of the RAPID communities. I have this year amended the Playground Scheme to allow provision of MUGAs (Multi-User Games Areas) which has proved very popular. I am actively considering a number of other Leverage Schemes and I will publish full details of these Schemes when these are launched.