Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has had discussions with An Taisce or ministerial colleagues in the matter of rural housing and the need to meet the housing needs of the indigenous rural population along the lines of his previously expressed wishes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17011/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I have no statutory responsibility for rural housing.

The National Spatial Strategy (NSS) addresses many of my concerns on issues such as rural housing. The rural settlement policy framework contained in the NSS, which represents overall Government policy on rural housing, aims to sustain and renew established rural communities while strengthening the structure of villages and smaller settlements to support local economies. In this way it seeks to ensure key assets in rural areas are protected to support quality of life and that rural settlement policies are responsive to the local circumstances of different areas.

In the course of my day-to-day business, I regularly have contact with Ministers of other Departments, Local Authorities and as the need arises, other bodies and organisations regarding rural development issues. I have had a discussion with an Taisce in this regard.