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.
My Department has lodged the operational programme for Leader+ with the European Commission for assessment and approval. Also, in accordance with the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, the Leader+ programme has been presented to the special North-South EU programmes body for its endorsement in tandem with the Northern Ireland Leader programme.