Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Oct 1993

Vol. 434 No. 6

Written Answers. - Leader Programme.

Willie Penrose

Question:

107 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when the new Leader programme will commence; the plans, if any, he has to include County Westmeath in the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

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

The timescale for implementation of any new Leader programme is a matter for the EC Commission. I understand that it will likely be early 1994 before the arrangements for implementation of a new programme are known.

Assuming Leader II operates on the lines of the current programme it will be open to groups everywhere in the country, including Westmeath, to apply to participate in it. I should say that my objective, in any event, is to secure a new Leader programme covering the whole country and with substantially increased funding.