Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Jan 1995

Vol. 447 No. 11

Written Answers. - Leader Programme.

Liam Hyland

Question:

246 Mr. Hyland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry in view of the success of the pilot Leader Programme and the now clearly established wish of local communities to become involved in the work of community development as demonstrated by the number of business plans submitted for Leader 2, if he will ensure that sufficient funding is provided by the Government to enable the implementation of a national programme; and his views on whether such funding would enable the maximum number of jobs to be created in rural Ireland. [1643/95]

Willie Penrose

Question:

262 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when a decision will be made in relation to the implementation of the Leader II Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1507/95]

Edward Nealon

Question:

264 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will make a statement on the proposed funding for the new Leader programme in view of the excellent work of the pilot programme and the need for the remainder of Ireland to be included in the new programme. [1527/95]

Edward Nealon

Question:

265 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if the EU Reserve Fund of £64 million, which has been ear-marked for Ireland, will be made available to the new Leader programme in order to bring the fund nearer to what was originally anticipated and expected before the EU portion of funding was slashed by over 40 per cent from the expected amount. [1528/95]

Edward Nealon

Question:

266 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry in view of the excellent work done under the Leader programme and the significance of this work which has been described as tremendous, if the Irish Exchequer contribution for the new Leader programme which was provided for in the National Plan will be maintained at around £30 million over the next five years; if he will give an assurance that the Irish contribution will not be scaled back with the EU's slashing of funds for the programme by over 40 per cent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1529/95]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 246, 262, 264, 265 and 266 together.

The Operational Programme for the implementation of Leader II in Ireland has been submitted to the European Commission for approval. In the meantime, with the assistance of independent consultants, I am evaluating the 48 business plans of applicant groups. My intention is that Leader II should be available in all rural areas. I hope to be in a position to announce the successful groups within six to eight weeks.

As regards funding for Leader II, the position is that the European Commission originally allocated £37 million to Ireland. This was supplemented by a further £17 million from the reserve of £64 million provided for the implementation of all the Community Initiatives in Ireland. The £54 million will be topped up with a significant national Exchequer contribution still to be decided. At the mid-term review I will be pressing for a further allocation for the programme from the reserve still retained by the Commission.

I look forward to the commencement of the Leader II programme in Ireland and I am confident that we can build on the successes of the first programme not only in creating jobs in our rural areas but also in giving encouragement and support to rural people to help themselves.