Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will give assurances for continued funding in 2011, 2012 and onwards for a community development project (details supplied) in County Wicklow in order for it to continue its work with the County Wicklow partnership; if the current level of funding will continue into the future; his views on the important work being carried out by the community development projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4318/10]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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As I outlined previously to the House, 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. Both programmes have a community development element and were delivered through separate local delivery structures. These programmes came to an end on 31 December 2009 and have been superseded by a new programme, the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP).

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 CDP/LDSIP Programmes and will enable groups to objectively demonstrate the positive impacts they are securing for local communities. An implementation strategy, involving the stakeholders, is underway in preparation for LCDP roll-out over the course of 2010.

In advance of proceeding to establish a single programme across CDPs and Partnerships, my Department undertook an evaluation of individual community development projects. Many of these projects span across two decades, with quite diverse activities. The objective of the review was to identify those projects that produce tangible, appropriate benefits for the communities they serve. The vast majority of projects, including the project referred to by the Deputy, fall into this category and have been offered funding under the new programme in 2010. Where projects were not recommended for continued funding, an appropriate appeals mechanism has been provided.

I am pleased to have been able to ring-fence funding for community development projects for 2010 and to maintain it at 2009 levels. In few other areas of public spending has it been possible to do this. The Deputy will appreciate that ongoing funding for 2011 and beyond will be subject to budgetary considerations at the appropriate time.

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a grant application payment will be awarded in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4323/10]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a grant application payment will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4324/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.

Payment to Laois Partnership Company in respect of the grant application for the business referred to by the Deputy was made by my Department on 7th January 2010. The business was subsequently paid by the Company on 21st January 2010.