Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the main features of the plan announced by him on 18 September 2009 for the integration of the local development inclusion programme and the community development programmes; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by persons involved that the integration of these programmes may lead to loss of key services to communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34194/09]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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The LDSIP and the CDP are my Departments two main social inclusion/community development programmes. Both have a community development element and both are delivered through separate local delivery structures.

I have already indicated that my strong view is that a single focused programme with a single integrated delivery structure is now needed in order to maximise the impact of these two programmes which serve disadvantaged communities. The Centre for Effective Services is currently preparing proposals for me in this regard, which will draw on good international practice and independent advice. I hope to receive this in the near future with a view to rolling out a new programme early next year.

My overall aim is to ensure that, from 2010, disadvantaged communities will benefit from a more focused programme with clear objectives and simplified and streamlined delivery structures.