Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1744: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will support a matter (details supplied). [31837/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Funding contracts under the scheme referred to by the Deputy are due to expire on 31 December 2010. The review to evaluate the scheme is still ongoing. All organisations involved in the scheme were consulted as part of the review process. I expect this to be concluded shortly. On the basis of the findings of the review, I will consider the options available to me. As soon as a decision is made on the future of the scheme, my Department will be in touch with all of the organisations funded under the current scheme.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1745: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if there are any open programmes for funding in respect of a project (details supplied). [32172/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The €425m Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013, which is EU co-funded, places an emphasis, inter alia, on building the capacity of rural dwellers, particularly in the context of the use of technology. Under the Programme, eligible initiatives include the development of training facilities in rural areas and facilitation of distant learning through the use of new technologies. The programme also supports the building of capacity of rural dwellers to utilise ICT, including internet to access e-services and other public/commercial electronic applications. In this context, the project referred to by the Deputy may be eligible in principle under the RDP. There are 36 Local Action Groups contracted, on my Department's behalf, to deliver the RDP throughout the country and these groups are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding. Such decisions are made in the context of the individual group's local development strategy and in line with my Department's operating rules and the relevant EU regulations. Contact details for groups can be found on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1746: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the programme for community development projects if a national agreement has now being agreed; the number of groupings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33320/10]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1755: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs when a decision will be reached on the future of community development projects in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33877/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1746 and 1755 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, the Local Development Social Inclusion and the Community Development Programmes have been superseded by the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP). A key difference between the new LCDP and its predecessor programmes is the fact that, when fully implemented, it will be delivered nationally on an integrated basis by a reduced number of companies.

A national model involving full integration of CDPs with Local Development Companies has been set out by my Department. However, it was made clear from the start of the process that other options could be considered. Alternative models were, however, required to meet a range of criteria, including a reduction in the number of structures, promoting the potential for integrated delivery of services to the public, supporting efficiencies and reducing company law compliance requirements for CDPs.

I am pleased that I have been able to approve alternative models put forward by the HSE South, by the Limerick City CDPs/Paul Partnership and by the Women's Sector CDPs. While the deadline for receipt of further proposals has now passed, a small number of other alternative models remain under active consideration by my Department. The groups involved will be advised of the outcome shortly.