David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 308: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the discussions he has had with local partnerships community and Leader groups regarding the development of initiatives to create employment in local areas and enhance rural employment prospects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21518/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I am in ongoing contact with the Integrated Local Development Companies that implement a range of programmes on behalf of my Department. The supports that my Department deliver with the co-operation of these companies include several key actions that focus on enterprise support and job creation.

The LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 – which are currently being implemented by 36 Local Action Groups throughout the country - aim to improve the quality of life in rural areas and promote the diversification of the rural economy. The funding available for the delivery of these LEADER activities amounts to over €425m and includes a number of measures that support enterprise and jobs. For example, under the Support for Business Creation and Development measure, €48.26m will be available over the lifetime of the Programme for a range of rural enterprise activity based on the exploitation of traditional rural resources. Other measures also provide funding that facilitates support for job creation, including:

Diversification into Non-Agricultural Activities (€16.66m);

Encouragement of Tourism Activities (€45.4m);

Basic Services for the Economy and Rural Population (€49.61m);

and Implementing Co-operation Projects (€10.7m).

It is expected that approximately 10,000 new or existing micro-enterprises will be supported, with the potential to create 12,600 full-time equivalent jobs over the lifetime of the Programme.

Funding of some €51.74m is available for the implementation of the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme in 2009. The Companies/Partnerships delivering the Programme provide an area-based response across three sub-measures, one of which relates to services to the unemployed. This sub-measure specifically supports individuals into employment and self-employment through education, training, work experience, job placement, enterprise and the social economy. During 2008, 27,807 adults were supported under the measure and it is anticipated that an equal number will be supported under the measure in 2009.

Other initiatives supported by my Department and delivered in co-operation with the Integrated Local Development Companies also facilitate and enhance rural employment. Such initiatives include the Walks Scheme launched in 2008 to enhance and maintain National Waymarked Ways, Looped Walking Routes and Heritage Routes. The Scheme currently facilitates the participation of approx 600 people in the upkeep and maintenance of approved walks and trails throughout the country. It also supports the employment of 12 Rural Recreation Officers, in association with Fáilte Ireland, who have been appointed to promote walking tourism in areas where there are clusters of suitable accessible walks and to assist in the introduction of the Walks Scheme.

The Rural Social Scheme, launched in May 2004, aims to provide income support for low-income farmers and fisher persons by allowing them to earn a supplementary income while providing certain services of benefit to rural communities. While communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fisher persons, participants also have the opportunity to improve existing, or develop new skills and perform valuable work in their local communities. Currently, there is provision for 2,600 participants and 130 supervisors on the Scheme.

My Department also works with the Integrated Local Development Companies to deliver the Community Services Programme, which supports a range of community business and social enterprises to deliver a range of local services and employment opportunities. The Programme focuses on employing people who are currently without work and have limited employment opportunities. Funding available under the Programme has increased to almost €51m for 2009 and it is expected that around 450 community and voluntary organisations will receive support this year, resulting in employment for approximately 2,700 people. Moreover, I have encouraged CSP supported organisations to continue to explore ways to use their resources with a view to employing additional staff and, in this context, I have undertaken to consider making additional resources available for where a clear case can be made for the delivery of additional services.