Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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10. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the review of local community development committees due in quarter 2, 2018 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46021/18]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) have been established in all 31 local authority areas since Autumn 2014.   They typically comprise between 15 and 19 members, and bring together stakeholders from public bodies, as well as local development, community and voluntary, social inclusion and a range of other community interests.   Their main function is to bring greater coordination to local and community development in their areas, and this is achieved primarily through the community elements of their respective Local Economic and Community Plans.

We commenced a review of LCDC structures in October 2017.  The purpose of the review, which is drawing to a close, is to examine progress since LCDCs were established; to identify the challenges facing the structures and opportunities to strengthen their operation; and, finally, to make recommendations for their future development. 

The review is overseen by a Steering Group chaired by an official from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and comprising members from my own Department, local authorities, regional assemblies and the community sector.  We have carried out a broad consultation process and this will help inform the preliminary findings and recommendations.  

A report on the review is being drafted by my Department with guidance and input from the Steering Group.  I expect to have a draft for my consideration very shortly and would hope to publish the final report early in 2019.