Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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167. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the alignment between the Leader programme and local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32654/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The new local development governance arrangements contained in Putting People First - Action Programme for Effective local Government reflect a balanced consideration by an expert Steering Group established to consider options for a more integrated and coherent approach to local and community development programming, both at local and national levels. Contrary to the view put forward in the correspondence referred to in the question, the new arrangements will not have a detrimental effect on local development services. Rather the establishment of Socio-Economic Committees in each local authority area will facilitate a more strategic, joined-up approach to local and community development locally. Socio-Economic Committees will bring key local and community development actors together in partnership, with a focus on outcomes rather than organisational boundaries , thus enabling collaborative leadership at local level and, ultimately, improving services for citizens and communities.

The implementation of the alignment recommendations is being brought forward in a spirit of partnership and co-operation. An Alignment Working Group is advising and assisting my Department on the practical arrangements necessary to give effect to the new Socio-Economic Committees. It comprises representatives from both the local government and local development sectors and is making good progress.

Putting People First envisages an enhanced role for local government in local and community development. There is, however, no intention to undermine the expertise and staffing of local development companies. The aim is to facilitate a joint consideration locally as to how available resources might be deployed through more collaborative and co-ordinated approaches, supported by a reformed and enhanced local government sector. As key partners on the Socio-Economic Committees, local development companies will continue to have an important role in the delivery of programmes for which they are contracted by my Department and others. Independent of alignment reforms, however, the level of funding for local development programmes is a key issue for implementing bodies, and this remains to be decided as part of the Government's estimates process and in the context of EU budgets.

Our local development system delivers a broad range of local services for citizens and communities. Within the context of increasing pressure on available resources, we need to focus on maintaining these services at the frontline while ensuring that the system continues to be sustainable. The 2010 European Court of Auditors Report on LEADER, while acknowledging good practices in Ireland's management of the 2000-06 LEADER programme for example, highlighted the significant additional administration funding provided by the Irish Exchequer to LEADER companies mid-programme to ensure continued delivery of the programme. This was accompanied by a significant amount of 'interim funding' that was also provided by the Irish Exchequer to ensure the continued operation of LEADER companies in the period between the last two programming rounds.

We are operating in a much changed economic context. The level of LEADER administration funding available under the next Rural Development Programme may be much reduced; and we can no longer afford the additional administration resources that may have been provided previously. More effective, efficient and joined-up approaches to service delivery are needed if we are to ensure the sustain ability of our local development system. I am confident that the reforms we are bringing forward can do this and that, as a result, we will be able to continue deliver high quality services for our citizens and communities into the future.