Vol. 493 No. 3
208 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself with the number of agricultural based projects funded by Leader groups; his views on whether the present rules are too strict and prevent many possible projects going ahead that are no longer funded from other sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16011/98]
EU requirements governing the Leader programme place considerable constraints on the types of projects which may be aided in the agricultural sector. In view of these constraints I am satisfied with the number of agricultural projects funded to date by Leader groups.
Arising out of the mid-term review of the Leader programme, my Department is pursuing proposals that certain investments for which funding under the Operational Programme for Agriculture, Food and Forestry is fully committed be regarded as eligible farm diversification measures under Leader.
