Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 8

Written Answers. - Leader Programme.

Enda Kenny

Question:

183 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the schemes that have been approved under the Leader programme in counties Mayo and Galway for each of the years from 1990 to 1992; the amounts allocated in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Enda Kenny

Question:

184 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of applications which have been received under the Leader programme from each county; the number which have been approved; the total amount of grants approved per county; the total number of permanent jobs which will be created through the Programme; if he has satisfied himself that the scheme has operated well to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to oral questions on Leader on 25 February. A copy of the information promised to Deputy Deasy on that occasion relating to details of the applications received by my Department under the Leader programme will be provided separately to Deputy Kenny as well as a list of the successful applicants and the amounts of grant approved for them.

The decisions on the award of grants to individual projects are a matter for the Leader groups themselves.

While the Leader programme is a pilot one and has been operating for less than a year it is envisaged that investments under the programme will generate a substantial number of jobs in rural areas. The extent of job creation will depend on the nature and success of the investments undertaken by the groups.

In general terms, I am satisfied with the progress being made under the programme.