Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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21. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the recommendations, as outlined in the review of local community development committees; the status of the six recommendations; the timelines for completion in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50642/19]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) were established in mid-2014 to bring about a more joined-up and integrated approach to local service planning and delivery. In August I approved a comprehensive review of the LCDCs which was underpinned by extensive consultation and highlighted the significant progress made since LCDCs were established.  The review also recognised a number of challenges that need to be addressed to secure the longer-term effectiveness of the structures. It makes a series of recommendations including securing greater cross-government buy-in; improved development and support programmes for LCDCs and their members; and strengthening and streamlining administrative supports.

Implementation of the LCDC review recommendations is included as an action in the recently published Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities; A five year strategy for the community and voluntary sector in Ireland 20179-2024.  My Department is identified as the body with lead responsibility for its implementation, with Local Government, other Government Departments and the Community & Voluntary sector all having a part to play.

My Department has begun the implementation of the review recommendations, recently initiating a process of engagement with other Government Departments to promote more cross government commitment to the LCDCs. In addition, a successful networking event for LCDCs took place on the 9th  November looking at leadership and climate change. Work has begun on the other six actions that were scheduled to begin on Q4 2019 and this work will continue into the early part of 2020.  

Additional funding will be provided in 2020 to support LCDC's in line with the recommendations of the review.