Michael P. Kitt
Question:131 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the changes, if any, to be made to the Leader II Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2686/96]
Written Answers. - Scheme Changes.
The Leader II Community Initiative which was published by the European Commission on 1 July 1994 is designed to promote bottom-up development with an emphasis on innovation in the local context, the ability to serve as a model and transferability.
In accordance with the terms of the initiative, my Department prepared an Operational Programme for the implementation of Leader II which was approved by the Commission. Based on the European Commission's requirements and the experience of implementing Leader I, a comprehensive set of operating rules under which approved groups must operate was drawn up. The operational programme and the operating rules include provision for improved control procedures to ensure greater transparency and accountability.
The main changes between Leader I and II are:
(a) a strong emphasis on animation, capacity building and training
(b) provision for funding for a pre-development stage and for sectoral groups as well as local action groups
(c) greater co-ordination of effort in programme delivery at local level
(d) the statement of objectives and targets by groups at the outset
(e) administratively a number of changes have been introduced including, for example, a requirement in relation to rotation of Board members and the compilation of a Register of Directors' Interests.