Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 281: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will support a matter (details supplied). [46744/09]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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As I outlined previously to the House and Seanad, my Department has seen the need to redesign its community development/social inclusion programmes, particularly the Local Development Social Inclusion (LDSIP) and Community Development Programmes (CDP), drawing on good international practice and to support the ongoing evaluation of the programmes. The LDSIP and the CDP are my Department's two main social inclusion/community development programmes. Both have a community development element and are currently delivered through separate local delivery structures. These programmes come to an end on 31 December 2009 and will be superseded by a new programme, the Local and Community Development Programme. New Programme

The aim of the new programme is to tackle poverty and social exclusion through partnership and constructive engagement between Government and its agencies and people in disadvantaged communities. The new programme will preserve elements of good practice from the existing CDP/LDSIP programmes and will enable groups to objectively demonstrate the positive impacts they are securing for local communities. CDP Review

Earlier this year my Department commenced a review of the performance of Community Development projects funded under the Community Development Programme. This work is now completed and I understand that all concerned are being notified of the findings. I acknowledge that the past while has been a time of uncertainty for CDPs. It is my wish that CDPs have clarity on funding and on implementation arrangements for the new programme. This is now being addressed. Structural Change

It is also my intention that CDPs and Partnership/Integrated company structures should align so as to minimise structures and provide a single integrated delivery structure for all areas. An implementation strategy, involving the stakeholders, is underway in preparation for programme roll-out in 2010. This will build on discussions with groups at an Information Session on Wednesday 25th November and subsequent contacts. I am committed to the new programme and to implementing it in the best possible way. My Department will engage positively and constructively with all stakeholders in this process.