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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Leader Programmes.

Michael Ring

Question:

380 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the progress on the implementation of the Leader+ programme. [1313/01]

The Leader+ operational programme was submitted to the EU Commission in mid-November in accordance with the Commission's guidelines. The programme was also presented to the special North/South EU Programmes Body for its endorsement – as regards cross-Border aspects – in tandem with the Northern Ireland Leader programme.

Advertisements inviting interested groups to submit business plans for the Leader+ programme and the national rural development programme were placed with a closing date for receipt of applications of 27 October 2000. Eight-nine applications were received, comprising 42 applications in respect of the Leader+ programme and 47 applications under the national rural development programme. The process for the selection of groups to operate these programmes has commenced.
The selection process which will determine the appointment of rural development groups to operate the two new programmes is proceeding contemporaneously with the Commission's consideration of the Leader+ operational programme. The Commission has five months from the receipt of the programme for examination before deciding on approval. Given its complementarity with Leader+, the EU Commission has indicated that the approval process for the national rural development programme should take place simultaneously. Following the Commission's approval, the appointment of groups to deliver the programmes will be decided by Government.
Negotiations are currently in progress between my Department and the European Commission on Ireland's Leader+ Operational Programme with a view to obtaining approval at the earliest time to clear the way for commencement of Leader activity in rural areas for the period to 2006. Meanwhile, my Department has made interim funding available to existing Leader groups on a without prejudice basis to help maintain the capacity, resource, experience and work of rural development groups pending the coming on stream of the new Leader programmes.
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