Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position with regard to the cohesion process concerning local and community development initiatives, and specifically in relation to a group (details supplied) in County Cork. [13459/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my responses to Questions Nos. 10 and 11 of 3 April 2008 and my replies to previous questions on this issue, which outline the core objectives of the cohesion process.

As previously indicated to the House, following an extensive consultation phases, Government decided last year on revised areas of coverage for local development groups, a new mandate to reflect the broader remit of local and community development agencies and clarified the arrangements in relation to the membership of their boards. LEADER and Partnership groups across the country were provided with detailed guidelines to assist them in giving effect to the Government decision. At this stage, local development bodies have been incorporated in the vast majority of the 55 operational areas agreed by Government.

The group referred to by the Deputy has forwarded proposals to the Department to bring their company into alignment with the standards set out in the Guidelines. These proposals are currently under consideration by my Department.