Vol. 517 No. 3
38 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when the EU is expected to finalise the guidelines for Leader+; when the Irish operational programme will be drawn up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9717/00]
The European Commission is currently 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. Based on these guidelines, 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. My Department will, at the same time, be drawing up the operating programme governing the national mainstream Leader scheme. The Commission over a period of some months will subject the programmes to detailed examination to ensure in particular that they show evidence of significant innovation to the requisite standard for approval. 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 the Leader mainstream activity programme.
I recognise the importance of continuity in the delivery of the Leader rural development programmes in the period 2000-2006 and I acknowledge that the work effected under Leader I and Leader II has very significantly benefited local communities. Accordingly, every effort is being made to ensure the earliest implementation of the two new Leader measures. The timing of this will depend in large measure on the date of securing the necessary approval of the European Commission in respect of the draft operational programmes governing the Leader+ programme and the national leader programme.
