Vol. 480 No. 6
188 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will reduce the rate of private matching funding for the administration of Leader II costs in North Mayo in view of the fact that many applicants find the fees an extra burden. [14815/97]
190 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will increase the maximum rate of grant aid for accommodation that Leader II gives from 20 per cent to 35 per cent to enable it to operate on a par with the Western Regional Tourism Authority agri-tourism scheme. [14817/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 190 together.
Following the mid-term review of the Leader II Programme earlier this year my Department submitted proposals for a number of changes in terms and conditions of the programme for approval by the European Commission. Among the proposals are changes in the rate of private matching funding for administration and the rate of grant aid for accommodation in certain circumstances in the tourism sector. The decision of the European Commission is expected shortly and will be announced as soon as possible.
