CRITICISM of the Government's plans to take rural development functions from the Department of Agriculture has been voiced by Mr Jimmy Deenihan of Fine Gael, who had charge of the area in the last government.
Mr Deenihan said the changes announced by the Taoiseach flew in the face of all the best advice, which was that rural development be given an expanded role in the Agriculture Department.
He said all recent reports, including the Economic and Social Forum report and the Rural Development Strategy report, advocated an enhanced departmental role and suggested it be renamed the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
"The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and his new Government have totally ignored this, a move which could have devastating effects on rural areas."