Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 124: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has discussed the decline of rural services with other Departments; 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. [34141/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that, as Minister with responsibility for Rural Development, I continue to have ongoing dialogue with other Ministers and Departments around issues that impact on rural areas.

The Deputy will appreciate that, in the current economic circumstances, the Government is faced with difficult decisions. In recent Budgets we have considered a range of measures to maintain a prudent fiscal outturn for 2009 and to provide the basis for a sustainable approach to the current financial situation. Across Government, our approach has been to do this in as balanced a way as possible.

In relation to the various programme areas in my Department that support rural development, efforts have been made to minimise the effects on frontline services, where possible. This approach will continue in the context of the ongoing financial management of my Department's Vote for the remainder of the year.

While funding for some programmes operated by my Department has been reduced, it is important to note that there will still be significant expenditure this year across a number of schemes. In particular, I should mention the very substantial investment in our rural areas now being made under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. 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.