John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 682: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the directive he has issued in relation to the appointments of chairpersons to 38 local Leader partnerships companies here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14577/07]

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 683: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason he proposes to have ministerial control over the appointment of chairpersons to the various Leader groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14588/07]

John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 689: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason he is proposing to make the appointment of chairpersons of Leader programme boards his own prerogative, which is a major departure from the system which has operated since the inception of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14725/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 682, 683 and 689 together.

Arising from the joint ministerial initiative on the review of local and community development structures, the Government recently agreed a series of measures which provide for revised arrangements in relation to the board membership and mandate of integrated local and community development agencies and urban-based partnerships, the appointment by Government of the Chairs and the preferred coverage areas of integrated structures from now on.

The Government has decided that it should select the Chairs of the boards of these local agencies from three nominations put forward by the local boards. This decision reflects the importance of these local development agencies and the public accountability issues arising from the significant public funds that they will disburse under a wide range of programmes. The decision also recognises the Chairs as a significantly influential group as their agencies will operate throughout the state. In this regard important issues such as gender and skills balance within the group arise which, in the Government's view, require national oversight.