Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 272: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to address the problems experienced by those disadvantaged in rural areas in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39493/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 273: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to address the problems experienced by those in disadvantaged in urban areas in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39494/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 276: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to extend the CLÁR scheme to cater for the increasing needs arising from the economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39497/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 277: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans if any to extend the RAPID scheme to cater for the increasing needs arising from the economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39498/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 279: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he has carried out an assessment of the emerging needs of rural communities with a view to how best to address such issues in the ongoing economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39500/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 280: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he has carried out an assessment of the emerging needs of urban communities with a view to how best to address such issues in the ongoing economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39501/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 282: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he intends to expand or extend the range of schemes operated directly by his Department or groups or bodies under its aegis to assist community based groups involved in the campaign against drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39503/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 283: To ask the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to modify urban oriented schemes operated by his Department to meet requirements of the continuing economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39504/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 272, 273, 276, 277, 279, 280, 282 and 283 together.

As the Deputy is aware, in the current economic circumstances, we continue to be faced with difficult decisions. Over the course of the economic downturn, the Government has considered a number of measures to maintain not only a prudent fiscal outturn for 2010 but also to provide the basis for a sustainable approach to the current financial situation. Across Government, our approach has been to do this in as balanced a way as possible.

Notwithstanding these challenges, the Government and my Department remain very committed to the entire range of urban, rural, Gaeltacht and island communities we serve. Clearly, given the prevalent financial circumstances, objectives will have to be pursued with less resources than previously. However, we will continue to strive to achieve good outcomes and value for money against these constraints. The Deputy will appreciate that the individual 2011 allocations for my Department will not be decided until the Estimates process is completed within the framework of the forthcoming Budget. However, I will strive to protect, to the greatest extent possible, the daily front-line services provided with funding from my Department, especially those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities.