Jimmy Deenihan
Question:130 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when the draft guidelines for the Leader+ programme will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13532/00]
Written Answers. - Leader Programmes.
The draft guidelines for the Leader+ programme were adopted by the European Commission on 14 April 2000. My Department is currently in the process of preparing the operational programmes for the implementation of both the Leader+ and the national Leader programmes for submission to the European Commission. The negotiation process with the EU Commission for the programmes is expected to take a number of months.
In parallel with the preparation of the operational programmes, it is intended to have consultative meetings with interested parties. A number of advisory seminars will also be arranged on a regional basis to provide information to prospective Leader groups.