Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 293: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason none of the members of the high level steering group set up for streamlining the delivery of services for communities have direct experience of local or community development in Ireland other than institutional and theoretical knowledge on local government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39856/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I established a Steering Group in September 2011 to advise me on options for improving the alignment between local government and local development. I am satisfied that the Group has the requisite skills to address its terms of reference, as the numbers bring a wide range of experience and expertise to the task. I have asked the Group to examine the scope for alignment of local government and local development in a way which builds on the strengths of both sectors and I am confident that, full and balanced consideration will be given to relevant issues. A consultation process has been undertaken with key stakeholders which will inform the Group in its final recommendations to me. An Interim Report, recently provided to me, is available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/Community/AlignmentofLocalGovtLocalDev/#Interim%20Report . http:/// In this, the Group has identified that a more co-ordinated and integrated approach to local service provision is now required and that this should enable greater ease of access and deliver more sustainable frontline services for citizens. It should also include meaningful community engagement and involvement within any new framework.