Vol. 528 No. 2
110 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the way in which the application of a group (details supplied) in County Carlow to his Department has progressed; his views on the submission made on behalf of the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29900/00]
My Department has received comprehensive business plans from rural development groups seeking appointment to deliver the Leader programmes. An independent consultant is being commissioned to examine the proposals in the business plans and will make recommendations on selection. My Department will consider the recommendations and I will report to Government who will make the final decisions on groups. The determination of groups and their financial allocations will be put in place as quickly as is feasible following receipt of the European approval for the programmes.
Until this process is complete it would not be appropriate to comment on individual applications under assessment.
