John Perry
Question:133 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will put in place a scheme which will ensure that there is a seamless transition of the Leader II programme into the new national rural development programme in view of the delays which have occurred to date in reaching some form of agreement in respect of the new round of funding for Leader and the national development programme as contained in the national development plan; if he will also ensure that no damage is done to the Leader structures already put in place and the successes which have been achieved to date with the maintenance of the highly experienced corps of staff which they employ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5911/00]