David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which the recently announced budget reductions will impact on supports for developing communities and the community sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47144/09]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the remit of my Department includes community development in all communities, irrespective of location or socio-economic development. Many of our programmes, however, both individually and collectively, focus in particular on communities that are vulnerable, disadvantaged or under threat. The key principle underlying my Department's activities is the provision of support that enables communities themselves to identify and address problems in their own areas so that they become self-reliant.

While the overall cut of 14% across the Developing Communities subheads of my Department's Vote will have an impact, my Department will be endeavouring to protect front-line services as far as possible. Every saving that can be made from cutting down on overheads will be pursued so that the services that have been developed in partnership with communities over the years can be retained. Notwithstanding this reduction, the 2010 allocation will facilitate continued support for communities through local and community development programmes, supports for volunteering, supports for locally-based community and voluntary groups, the Community Services Programme, Community Supports for Older People and other measures. Every effort will be made to direct resources in a targeted and effective manner so as to ensure maximum impact in all priority areas.