Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 356: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the persons who are members of the high level steering group set up to consider options for streamlining the delivery of services for communities; and if members and staff of community projects, rural and urban, are represented on this group. [37170/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I established a high-level Steering Group in September 2011 to oversee and direct measures to facilitate greater alignment of functions and programmes between Local Government and Local and Community Development.

The members of the Group were chosen on the basis of their experience and considerable knowledge of both the Local Government and Local Development sectors and I am confident that their skill and expertise will contribute to a positive outcome. Mr Jim Miley, former chairperson of Concern Worldwide and company director is Chairperson of the Steering Group. The other members are -

· Dr. Patricia O'Hara – regional policy expert and Adjunct Professor at the National Institute for Regional Spatial Analysis;

· Mr Liam Keane - former HSE South Regional Co-ordinator;

· Ms Martina Moloney - Galway County Manager;

· Mr Gerry Kearney - former Secretary General of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs;

· Ms Geraldine Tallon - Secretary General of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Consultation with stakeholders is an important element of the work of the Steering Group and, to this end, a consultation process has already begun with key stakeholders in the local government and local development sectors, representative organisations within the Community and Voluntary sector and service users.

I expect the Final Report from the Steering Group by end January 2012.