16 Mr. Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the specific actions which are planned on rural development following the White Paper published in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13746/00]

The White Paper on Rural Development sets out a vision and a framework for the development of rural communities and marks a new approach and commitment by Government to rural development. One of the concerns is of course to diversify economically and to provide additional income and job creation opportunities in rural areas while cherishing the distinct features and culture of the countryside. To maintain viable rural communities we must exploit our natural advantages and potential to the full in the creation of more opportunities for enterprise both on and off farm.

The overall strategy decided by Government provides for balanced regional development to ensure that the benefits of economic and social progress are distributed throughout rural areas; investment in services and infrastructure; sustainable economic development; human resources development, and a determined focus on poverty and social exclusion.

Earlier this month, the national rural development forum met for the first time. The forum was established to debate current issues, to review existing programmes and to identify suitable policy responses to rural problems. Among the topics discussed at the forum were the spatial spread of development, the transition to part-time farming especially for low-income smallholders, rural poverty, rural transport and planning permission for houses in rural areas.