Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 365: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the measures agreed for his Department under the Value for Money Review 2006-08; the projects which had the necessary changes made; when they are planned for completion; if a value for money review is planned after 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25854/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The following is the position for my Department regarding VFM reviews under the current round:

(1) Drugs Initiative — Local Drugs Task Forces Completed and laid before the Oireachtas

(2) Scéimeanna Feabhsúcháin sa Ghaeltacht (Gaeltacht Improvement Schemes)Completed and laid before the Oireachtas.

(3) Capital Programme for Offshore IslandsCompleted and laid before the Oireachtas.

(4) Ciste na Gaeilge (Fund for Irish Language Projects)In final stages of completion — publication expected shortly.

(5) Local Development Social Inclusion ProgrammeIn final stages of completion — publication expected shortly.

(6) CLÁR and RAPID: Leveraged Funding SchemesTarget for completion end-2008.

In addition to the six VFM reviews above, my Department commenced last year a policy review of the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund, which operates under the Drugs Initiative. This review is expected to be completed shortly. A review of the Western Investment Fund is also scheduled to commence shortly.

The three priority recommendations arising from the completed review of the Local Drugs Task Forces have been implemented. Work is ongoing in relation to the final recommendation, in liaison with the HSE and the Department of Health and Children.

With regard to the Scéimeanna Feabhsúcháin review, six of the recommendations have been implemented or are in the course of implementation. A number of others are being considered within the context of the recently completed Report of the Linguistic Study of the Use of Irish in the Gaeltacht.

Arising from the Scéimeanna Feabhsúcháin review and the recently completed review of the Capital Programme for Offshore Islands, my Department implemented a significant re-alignment of work practices/processes within the relevant Departmental sections. Issues raised in the Islands Review in relation to the support of sustainable energy planning and development are being addressed in co-operation with Sustainable Energy Ireland (including the commissioning of a pilot study on energy use on na hOileáin Árann). The need for project management support is being addressed through provision of relevant training, while the development of a suite of performance monitoring indicators is also being advanced.

I understand that arrangements for the next round of reviews, which may cover the period 2009-2011, are being considered by the Value for Money and Policy Review Central Steering Committee.

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 366: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding that has been approved for projects in south Tipperary since June 2007 to date in 2008; the projects it has been approved for; the amount of funding that has been approved for projects in the whole country since June 2007 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25865/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In response to the Deputy's request, a total of €4.217m in funding has been approved by my Department for projects in South Tipperary from June 2007 to date in 2008 across a wide range of measures, programmes and schemes.

The table outlines the distribution of this funding and the projects approved. Information in relation to the funding allocations for my Department in 2008 can be obtained from the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2008. In relation to the specific data requested by the Deputy, the following is the position:

For completeness, I should add that my Department has provided a total of €327,320 to Tipperary Leader and Barrow Nore Suir Leader Group for projects across Tipperary, under the LEADER programmes during the period in question. My Department also provides funding to both these groups for the implementation of the Rural Social Scheme in Tipperary. There are currently 84 participants on the Rural Social Scheme in Co. Tipperary.