Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 12: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the fees paid to the chairman (details supplied) of the north west forum in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23850/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The North West Mayo Forum was established in 2008 by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Minister for Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The Forum was established with the dual objectives of providing an opportunity for dialogue between parties with an interest in the Corrib gas project and offering an opportunity for furthering the socio-economic development of the North West Mayo Region.

The forum is chaired by Mr. Joe Brosnan, who in addition to chairing Forum meetings helped initiate direct meetings between the developer and local groups opposed to the project, engaged in ongoing contacts with a broad range of interested parties, including community representatives, the developer and public bodies.

Membership of the Forum includes representatives of a range of local groups; elected public representatives; Government Departments, State bodies and Shell E&P Ireland Limited, along with representatives of its local workforce.

The Forum has, facilitated discussion and debate on a number of issues relevant to the project and the region including:

the consents processes relating to the project;

local community concerns about health and safety;

issues around policing including a presentation from the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission;

the Private Security Authority's regulation of private security firms; and

renewable energy opportunities in the region.

The Forum last met in May 2010 and consequently no fees have been paid to the Chairman in 2011. Fees totalling €37,400 were paid up to 2010.