Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, in relation to the alignment steering group, the procedure in the consultation process with local community stakeholders; if stakeholder consultation is important, the reason no member of the steering group has local experience, with all members having only national or international experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6054/12]

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 alignment between local government and local development. I am satisfied that the Groups comprises individuals with an appropriate balance of experience, including extensive experience across the whole spectrum of the local and community development sector, from policy and planning to implementation and delivery at a local level, and programme evaluation.

The Steering Group has undertaken extensive consultation as part of its work. This has involved a written consultation process and meetings with key groups. It has included stakeholders in the local government and local development sectors and representative organisations within the Community and Voluntary sector. Consultation has been an important part of the Group's work and I am confident that it will be reflected in the Group's recommendations.

I expect to receive the final report from the Steering Group shortly.