Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 326: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the nature and outcome of any value for money audit carried out by his Department during the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25702/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to reviews carried out by my Department under the 2006-08 Round of VFM Reviews.

The following is the position:

(1) Drugs Initiative — Local Drugs Task Forces

Completed and laid before Oireachtas. Priority recommendations implemented.

(2) Scéimeanna Feabhsúcháin sa Ghaeltacht (Gaeltacht Improvement Schemes)

Completed and laid before Oireachtas. A number of the recommendations have been implemented or are in the course of implementation, with the remainder being considered in the context of the Report of the Socio-Linguistic Study of the Use of Irish in the Gaeltacht.

(3) Capital Programme for Offshore Islands

Completed and laid before Oireachtas. Issues in relation to the support of sustainable energy planning and development have been progressed in co-operation with Sustainable Energy Ireland. Development of performance monitoring indicators has also been advanced, while the need for project management support is being addressed through provision of relevant training.

(4) Ciste na Gaeilge (Fund for Irish Language Projects)

Completed and laid before Oireachtas. A number of recommendations implemented. External stakeholders have a role regarding a significant number of the remaining recommendations, which, following discussions, will be implemented progressively, as appropriate.

(5) Local Development Social Inclusion Programme

Completed and laid before Oireachtas. The thrust of the policy and structural recommendations in the Report have been accepted and will be implemented, subject to available resources. Particular recommendations in relation to evaluation are being prioritised.

Draft terms of reference have been prepared for a VFM review of the CLÁR and RAPID Leveraged Funding Schemes and arrangements are in hands to start this work in the coming period.

For the sake of completeness, I should add that in addition to the VFM reviews above, my Department commenced in 2007 a policy review of the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund. However, responsibility for this area transferred to the Office of Minister for Children and Youth Affairs with effect from 1 January 2009.