Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 1

Written Answers. - Leader Programmes.

Austin Deasy

Question:

55 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the additional moneys, if any, which will be made available in the immediate future to fund the Leader programme for County Waterford in view of the fact it appears that the funds for 2000 have been exhausted. [7092/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh):

The European Commission is finalising the Leader+ draft guidelines document, having regard to the observations of the European Parliament which have been accepted by the member states. It is expected that the commission will shortly issue the approved guidelines and based on these, member states will 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 examine these programmes to ensure that significant innovation is evident to merit approval.

In addition, a Leader mainstream programme to apply nationwide 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.

In determining the local groups to deliver the new programmes, the report of the task force on the integration of local government and local development systems, which has been adopted by the Government, requires that attention be given to the avoidance of overlap between agencies including Leader groups and to consider approaches which will facilitate the combining of 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 programme effected under Leader has benefited local communities in County Waterford. Every effort is being made to ensure the earliest commencement of the two new Leader measures.