38 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that community development and social inclusion are at the heart of local government in view of the commitment contained in the review of An Action Programme for the Millennium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23310/99]

68 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the further powers it is proposed to devolve from central government to local authorities in view of the commitment contained in the review of An Action Programme for the Millennium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23309/99]

74 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when development boards will be established at city and county levels in view of the commitment contained in the review of An Action Programme for the Millennium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23311/99]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 68 and 74 together.

County-city development boards are scheduled to be established in each county council and county borough corporation area early next year. Directors of community and enterprise for these bodies have been recruited and are making the necessary arrangements for their establishment. The setting up of CDBs was recommended in the report of the interdepartmental task force on the integration of local government and local development systems, which has been endorsed by Government.

The CDBs will see local government and local development agencies – area partnerships, Leader groups and county-city enterprise boards – together with the social partners and public agencies operating locally, come together to draw up and implement a strategy for economic, social and cultural development. The strategy will be the framework for public services and local development in each county and city area.