Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on rural development programmes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5673/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The EU co-funded Rural Development Programme, as referred to in the Question, is part-implemented by 35 Local Development Companies around the country. My Department is responsible for these elements of the overall programme, while the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine is responsible for the elements of the programme that directly support the agriculture sector.

These 35 Local Development Companies are also involved in the implementation of a broad range of publicly-funded local programmes and initiatives. It is in the context of their broader local development role that I am currently engaging with the local development sector as part of an examination of the scope for enhanced alignment between local development programmes and local government. I have established a Steering Group to advise me on this issue and expect their final report soon. The Group presented an interim report in December 2011 which is available on my Department's website at: http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/Community/AlignmentLocalGovLocalDev/FileDownLoad,28839,en.pdf.

I am aware that, in general, there has been successful implementation of rural development programmes in Ireland and that the local development structures involved with these programmes are a key part of that success. At the same time, given the very significant range of both EU and Exchequer supported local development programmes being implemented around the country through a range of local development entities, it is appropriate that there is a strong and continuous focus on efficiency and effectiveness in relation to these programmes. Our local government system is a key part of our democratic process and it is appropriate that it has a role in local and community development programmes.

The focus of the Steering Group is on improving efficiency, effectiveness and services to the citizen, and on enhancing the role of local government in the area of local development. I am fully aware of the guidance of the EU regarding community participation in rural development programmes, and this guidance will continue to be fully respected for the current and future programmes.