Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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244. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the work of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43545/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, and I launched the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) in October 2012. The aim of the Commission was to carry out an extensive public consultation and research exercise on the future economic potential of rural Ireland and how best to channel funding and resources between 2013 and 2025. The most significant element of the Commission’s work was the extensive consultation process, conducted between January and June of 2013, and consisting of three different elements, a series of public meetings, meetings with relevant stakeholders and experts and a written submission process that involved the completion of an online questionnaire and/or written submissions.

Pat Spillane the Chair of the Commission, has briefed me on the general themes that are emerging from the work of CEDRA and noted that the commitment to the development of a strong rural economy was clearly evident throughout the Commission consultation process, particularly at community level. The process has identified a diverse and complex series of issues and challenges that the Commission considers should be addressed to support the future economic development of rural Ireland. The final recommendations of CEDRA will be framed in that context

The Commission is now in the final stages of report preparation and I expect to receive the draft report shortly.