Vol. 465 No. 8
110 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has to ensure that provision will be made for the nomination of local authority members to the boards of Leader companies; his views on whether local councillors, as the elected representatives of local people, have an important role to play in the future development of Leader companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10713/96]
In accordance with the bottom-up philosophy of the Leader programme, the composition of boards is a matter for the groups themselves to determine. Before signing agreements with the approved groups my Department has sought to ensure that the boards are as representative as possible of local voluntary and community interests, the private sector and the State Agencies. Local authority members are not excluded from membership of the Boards of Leader companies. My Department also requires the approved groups to co-ordinate their activities with all local development agencies and programmes including where appropriate, local authorities, many of whom participate in, or contribute directly to, the programme.
