Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will address the concerns of County Waterford Community Forum regarding its future (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45680/10]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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As set out in The National Recovery Plan 2011 – 2014 our current economic circumstances mean that public expenditure has had to be substantially reduced across Departments, agencies and programmes. As a result there are now competing demands for very scarce resources from a range of genuine interests, and difficult decisions have to be taken. The priority in these circumstances is to limit, to the greatest extent possible, the impact of expenditure reductions on essential services and on those most in need. In this context a review of the funding made available to the Fora from my Department's vote is necessary and unavoidable. However, the community and voluntary fora will continue to be supported and the matter will be dealt with in the estimates. It is also important to acknowledge the continued financial support by local authorities for the participation of Fora representatives on County/City Development Boards, Strategic Policy Committees and Joint Policing Committees.

The work undertaken by the community and voluntary fora is valued and should continue, and I will be writing shortly to the National Community and Voluntary Forum which acts as the National Executive for the Fora.