Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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276. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on work being carried out by his Department to implement proposals for regional structures outlined in the Government's Action Programme on Local Government reform, including the rationalisation of 10 regional bodies into three new regional assemblies; if eligibility for EU funding programmes will be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21531/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Wide-ranging and detailed legislation is required to provide for the range of measures set out in the Action Programme for Effective Local Government , including those relating to regional structures . Work on drafting the Local Government Bill 2013 is proceeding satisfactorily and I am firmly committed to ensuring that the Bill will be published in good time to enable enactment well ahead of the 2014 local elections. Responsibility in relation to EU funding programmes rests primarily with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.