Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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148. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to concerns among workers in the LCDP and Leader programmes about the lack of information provided to them in respect of the future of these programmes; if he will undertake to open a formal dialogue or create a national structure where workers in the sector can engage with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51059/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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There are 50 Local Development Companies (LDCs) contracted on my Department’s behalf to deliver the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP), with 35 of those also delivering the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP) throughout the country. These independent companies also deliver a range of other programmes and interventions on behalf of other Government Departments and other funders.

The Irish Local Development Network, which represents the LDCs, is represented on an Alignment Working Group that has discussed implementation arrangements in respect of the alignment recommendations. The Working Group also comprises representatives of the City and County Managers Association and Pobal, and it is chaired and supported by my Department. It is the responsibility of the representatives from each sector to consult with their nominating bodies, staff and other relevant stakeholders as part of this process and I would encourage such dialogue by all parties.