Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 797: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a Leader company (details supplied) has started to implement the rural development programme; the funding that has been signed over for this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37996/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Company referred to by the Deputy is delivering axis 3 and Axis 4 (LEADER) of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013.

The RDP commenced in February 2009 and I can confirm that all Local Action Groups contracted to deliver the Programme, are now fully operational and available to consider grant applications.

The Company in question has been given an indicative allocation of €10,751,894 over the lifetime of the Programme covering both administration and project activity.

While project expenditure to date by the group is relatively low (of the order of €170,366), I understand that they currently has further projects to the value of approx. €1.3m in development, of which €536,332 are firm project commitments.

Payments in respect of these commitments will be maturing on an ongoing basis as projects are completed.

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 798: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if legislation will be required to effect the proposed changes to community development projects; if CDPs will continue to develop their work plans and service agreements; the way funding from sources other than his Department will be managed; the savings which are proposed by the transfer of the administrative burden to local partnerships; if additional resources have been identified to assist with the additional administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37975/09]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 802: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for the future direction of community development projects here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38426/09]

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 803: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the action he will take to support the work of the community development programme in this time of budget cutbacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38436/09]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 806: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will support an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [38506/09]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 809: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the planned cuts in the combined budget of community development and local development social inclusion; the impact it will have on numbers employed in the programmes and the number of clients served in various categories; and his proposals to protect a project (details supplied) in Dublin 17 which is operating in a disadvantaged area. [38895/09]

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 814: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm his financial support in the future under the community development programmes for a centre (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [39059/09]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 798, 802, 803, 806, 809 and 814 together.

I have previously indicated that my strong view is that a single focussed programme with a single integrated delivery structure is appropriate in order to maximise the impact of the Local Development Social Inclusion and Community Development Programmes, which serve disadvantaged communities. My overall aim is to ensure that, from 2010, disadvantaged communities will benefit from a more focussed programme with clear objectives and simplified and streamlined delivery structures.

The practicalities of the new arrangements will be addressed over the coming period and I am not contemplating fresh legislation in connection with this initiative.

The Centre for Effective Services is currently preparing proposals 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.

In tandem with the redesign work, my Department is currently undertaking a review of the Community Development Programme (CDP) and will shortly have a full report on the findings and recommendations that arise from that review. I am personally committed to protecting funding for 2010 to the greatest extent possible for CDP projects endorsed by the review. In the event of projects not recommended for continued funding, an appropriate appeals mechanism will be provided. Also the review will not intrude on alternative, non core sources of CDP funding.

My overall aim is to ensure that, from 2010 onwards, notwithstanding the difficult budgetary position, disadvantaged communities will benefit from a more focused programme and better integrated actions. As previously indicated to the House, my primary concern, in this most difficult economic climate, is to make every effort to ensure that the front-line services provided by, or supported through, my Department - especially those focused on the needs of the most disadvantaged communities - are protected and to minimise overheads and ancillary costs.

In advance of decisions in the context of the of the 2010 Budget it is not feasible to anticipate levels of funding available for the integrated programme for next year.