Written Answers. - Leader Programmes.
Michael Ferris
Question:
140
Mr. Ferris
asked the
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
when approval will be given for the new national rural development programme in order to protect the existing structures, including staff, and to ensure a seamless transition from the present Leader II programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[5947/00]
Following consultation with the member states late last year and consequent on receipt of the proposed amendments of the European Parliament and their acceptance by the member states, the European Commission is now in a position to finalise the draft guidelines on Leader+ for issue.
Based on these guidelines, member states will then draw up operational programmes for Leader+ for forwarding to the Commission for approval with a view to commencement of the Leader+ programme as soon as possible. The Commission over a period of some months will closely examine the programmes to ensure that they meet the requisite standard for approval.
Also, under the national development plan, provision is made for funding of a Leader programme to provide for mainstream activity. As with other proposals incorporated in the national development plan, approval by the European Commission is necessary to enable commencement of arrangements for the establishment of this Leader mainstream activity.
Pending EU clearance for Leader+ activity and Leader mainstream activity under the national development programme, it is not possible to define the precise arrangements for delivery. It is clear, however, that the Commission's intention is that funding for Leader+ will be confined to a limited number of rural areas and that the essential aim of the Leader+ measure will be to encourage the emergence and testing of new approaches to integrated and sustainable development.
In the determination of local groups for delivery of all new operational programmes, the report of the task force on the integration of local government and local development systems requires that attention be given to the avoidance of overlap between agencies including Leader groups and to explore mechanisms capable of combining rural development and rural partnership activities in rural disadvantaged areas specifically.
I recognise the importance of continuity in the delivery of Leader+ and Leader+ type rural development programmes. It is clear that the work done by the local action groups in Leader I and Leader II has considerably enhanced the resources of local communities. I am ensuring that every effort will be made to establish the earliest implementation of the two new Leader measures.
In this context, it may be possible to progress the mainstream Leader measure which will apply nationwide at a more rapid rate than Leader+ will allow. I am examining this possibility.
Dan Neville
Question:
141
Mr. Neville
asked the
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
the scheme, if any, he will put in place which will ensure that there is a seamless transition from Leader II programme to the new national rural development programme; and the way in which he will ensure that no damage is done to the Leader structures already in place and the success which has been achieved to date with the maintenance of the highly experienced core of staff which they employ.
[5948/00]
Dan Neville
Question:
142
Mr. Neville
asked the
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
when the details of the new national rural development programme will be agreed and implemented.
[5949/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.
Following the recent receipt of the observations of the European Parliament and their acceptance by the member states, the European Commission is finalising the draft guidelines on Leader+ and it is expected that the approved guidelines will issue shortly.
Based on these guidelines, member states will then draw up operational programmes for Leader+ for forwarding to the Commission for approval with a view to commencement of the Leader+ programme as soon as possible. The Commission over a period of some months will subject the programmes to detailed examination to ensure that they meet the required standard for approval.
Additionally, a Leader mainstream programme is being funded under the national development plan. As with other measures provided for in the national development plan, approval by the European Commission is necessary to enable commencement of arrangements for the establishment of Leader mainstream activity.
Pending EU clearance for Leader+ activity and Leader mainstream activity under the national development plan, it is not possible to define the precise arrangements for delivery. It is clear, however, that the Commission's intention is that funding for Leader+ will be confined to a limited number of rural areas and that the essential aim of the Leader+ measure will be to encourage the emergence and testing of new approaches to integrated and sustainable development.
In the determination of local groups for delivery of programmes, the report of the task force on the integration of local government and local development systems requires that attention be given to the avoidance of overlap between agencies including Leader groups and to explore mechanisms capable of combining rural development and rural partnership activities in rural disadvantaged areas specifically.
I recognise the importance of continuity in the delivery of Leader+ and Leader+ type rural development programmes and I acknowledge that the work effected under Leader I and Leader II has benefited local communities. Every effort will be made to establish the earliest implementation of the two new Leader measures.
In this context, it may be possible to progress the mainstream Leader measure which will apply nationwide at a more rapid rate than Leader+ will allow. I am examining this possibility.
