Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 406: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has carried out a review of a RAPID programme in an area (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37306/09]

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 407: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for the future development of the RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37307/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 406 and 407 together.

As the Deputy is aware the Government in May 2009 approved the inclusion of five new towns in the RAPID programme: Ballina, Co. Mayo; Dungarvan, Co. Waterford; Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford; Mullingar, Co. Westmeath and Rathkeale, Co. Limerick. I plan to hold Information Sessions in the five new towns over the coming months.

The review of the existing RAPID areas to which I have previously referred is now complete. The findings and recommendations of the review are now being considered. As the Deputy is aware any changes to existing RAPID areas require referral to Government for its approval. I expect to be in a position to announce the outcome in early 2010.

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 408: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for the future development of a programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37308/09]

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 409: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for the future development of a programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37309/09]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 408 and 409 together.

I refer the Deputy to Question Nos. 153 and 790 on 6 October 2009. As I indicated in those replies, while I cannot be specific at this stage about the impact on specific bodies in particular areas, disadvantaged communities will benefit from a more focussed programme with clear objectives and simplified and streamlined delivery structures.