Vol. 440 No. 6
25 Mr. Cox asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when a Leader II programme will come into effect; the arrangements, if any, that have been made to extend the programme to the whole country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
71 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when a Leader II programme will come into effect; the arrangements, if any, that have been made to extend the programme to the whole country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
102 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when he intends to make a statement on groups to be included in Leader II; and the criteria that he will use to make his decision.
105 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry his views on the draft proposals relating to the Leader II programme; and the action, if any, he intends to take.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 71, 102 and 105 together.
The terms of the Leader II programme are a matter for decision by the European Commission. We expect to receive the draft of the new programme very shortly from the Commission. Following discussion with member states and consultation with the European Parliament, it will be formerly adopted by the Commission.
In the circumstances it is likely to be well into the second half of 1994 before the new round is in operation.
The Government's commitment to Leader is very clearly spelled out in the National Development Plan and the Government is satisfied that Leader can be applied effectively to all rural areas. To achieve this it is vital that sufficient numbers of well-organised groups with good business plans, that meet the requirements of the new programme, come forward to participate in the next round of Leader.
My Department will be writing shortly to all the interests who wish to participate in Leader II to explain the features of the new programme.
