Jimmy Deenihan
Question:161 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the start-up date for Leader+; when finance will be available to the Leader groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5058/00]
Vol. 514 No. 6
161 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the start-up date for Leader+; when finance will be available to the Leader groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5058/00]
I expect the European Commission to finalise the guidelines for the new rural development initiative, Leader+, very shortly following on the recent receipt of the observations of the European Parliament. Further consultation is taking place this week with member states and this should open the way to early approval of the guidelines.