Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he expects to meet the challenge of rural depopulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23225/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government remains firm in its commitment to rural development. Strong, vibrant rural communities are essential to the well-being of the entire country and the mission of my Department - which is aimed at promoting and supporting the sustainable, inclusive development of such communities - is very relevant in this regard. In pursuit of my Department's mission, we operate a wide range of schemes designed to tackle issues such as depopulation, deprivation and social isolation. Details of all these schemes can be found on my Department's website www.pobail.ie. If the Deputy has any specific questions about these schemes, I will be happy to answer them.

In addition, the Deputy will be aware that Ireland's Rural Development Programme 2007-13 represents substantial investment in our rural areas and the agriculture sector. This Programme includes investment of €425m, which is 55% co-funded by the EU, towards improving the quality of life in rural areas and diversifying the rural economy. This investment is being rolled out through the network of local development companies who are implementing the various measures under the Programme.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 35: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has had discussions with An Taisce or other Departments 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. [23226/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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As I indicated to the Deputy in my response to his question no. 181 of 29th April last, I have no statutory responsibility for rural housing. As stated in my previous reply, 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.