Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has discussed the decline of rural services with his Cabinet colleagues; his views on whether recent budgetary decisions will have a negative impact on local community services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16647/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question no. 8 of the 29 January 2009 in which I outlined the Government's commitment to providing essential public services in rural areas in order to secure a proper environment for economic development, promote social inclusion and support dispersed, viable rural communities. I would re-iterate that the Programme for Government contains a series of commitments to strengthen and underpin public service provision in rural areas, across a range of Government departments and agencies.

Since that reply my Department's 2009 allocations in the supplementary budget are now known. Apart from the LEADER programme, funding for most of the other programmes operated by my Department has been reduced, reflecting the realities of the economic situation facing the country. I still expect a strong spend on programmes such as the CLÁR and RAPID leverage funds as existing commitments are met. In addition I expect strong delivery by the local action groups selected to deliver the LEADER programme. My priority will be to ensure that my Department's programmes are focussed on propriety areas and frontline services, which should minimise negative consequences of funding reductions.