Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has undertaken any aspect of amalgamation or abolition of State agencies or semi-State bodies or boards within his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40919/08]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for a rationalisation of State boards or bodies for which his Department has responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40951/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 128 together.

The following developments are relevant in this context. In accordance with a decision made by the North South Ministerial Council in 2007, and in order to secure good practice and value for money, the functions and funding of Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge transferred to Foras na Gaeilge with effect from 1 January 2008. The Council also decided at its meeting on 4 July 2008 that the functions, staffing and funding of Colmcille in Ireland should transfer to Foras na Gaeilge and arrangements to that end are in hand. I am not in a position to comment on any specific future plans at this stage.

I should also mention that, the Charities Bill 2007, which was passed by Dáil Éireann on 5th November 2008, provides for the dissolution of the Office of Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland. The Bill further provides that the Office of Commissioners will be replaced by a new Charities Regulatory Authority, which will take on the statutory functions of the Office of Commissioners, as well as having broader statutory regulatory functions relating to charities operating in the jurisdiction. It is expected that Second Stage of the Bill in the Seanad will be taken in the coming weeks.

In addition a number of local development agencies receive funding through my Department or through Pobal for local delivery of community and rural development measures. This number comprises a total of 94 local development bodies and 184 community development projects. Arising from the cohesion process, which involves the merger of overlapping LEADER and Partnership groups, the number of local development bodies are being reduced from 94 to 54.

Further opportunities to secure improved efficiencies and outcomes across bodies within the ambit of the Department will be pursued over the coming period.