Vol. 525 No. 2
310 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has responded to the request from Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann for inclusion in the EU-funded Leader+ programme and in the national rural development programme, funded under the National Development Plan 2000-2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23985/00]
336 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if the islands will be included in both the Leader+ and natural rural development programmes. [24446/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 336 together.
Since its introduction in 1995, the Leader Programme II has made a substantial impact in rural Ireland. I recognise the contribution of all of the Leader groups, including Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, to the programme of development of our rural areas.
Leader type activity in the period to 2006 will be delivered through the European Union Leader+ programme together with a mainstream national rural development programme. Funding of over £117 million has been allocated to these two programmes.
Following a number of information seminars around the country in July this year, my Department invited notices of interest from rural development groups interested in participating in the new programmes. Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann signalled its interest in operating both programmes. Subsequently advertisements inviting interested groups to submit full business plans for either or both programmes were placed in the national and provincial papers and farming press. The closing date for receipt of applications was 27 October 2000 and the group has submitted business plans under both programmes.
Work on the preparation of the operational programme for Leader+ is at an advanced stage and it is expected that it will be lodged with the European Commission shortly. The programme will also be presented to the special North-South EU programmes body for its endorsement in tandem with the Northern Ireland Leader programme. A period of five months is provided for to facilitate the Commission's consideration of the programme prior to deciding on approval. While I will be pushing for early approval of the programme, it is unlikely that approval will be forthcoming before the end of the year.
The national rural development programme forms part of the regional operational programmes and will be funded under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Given their complementarity, the European Commission has indicated that the approval process for the national rural development programme and the Leader+ programme will take place simultaneously.
