Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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454. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which he hopes to engage with various rural community groups with a view to identifying their perspectives on the issues with which his Department may be able to assist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38871/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My Department is in ongoing contact with local and community groups to identify the most appropriate actions in regard to all issues relevant to the work of the Department.

Groups can also input into the policy-making process through the local structures established by my Department such as Public Participation Networks and Local Community Development Committees.

In addition, all interested parties are invited to provide submissions to public consultations that are opened by my Department and we encourage groups from all sectors to take the opportunity to input where appropriate. For example, public consultations have been held in relation to my Department’s first Statement of Strategy and also the new library strategy, "Our Public Libraries 2022 - inspiring, connecting and empowering communities", both of which were published earlier this year. More recently I have sought submissions in relation to my Department's first Official Languages Scheme.