Vol. 530 No. 5
44 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason the Leader programme for the period 2000-06 has not yet got under way; and when he expects funding to be available for projects. [3901/01]
In the period to 2006, Leader activity will be delivered through two mechanisms, being the EU Leader+ programme and the national rural development programme. A total of £117 million is allocated and both programmes are co-funded.
In accordance with the European Commission's guidelines, the Leader+ programme was submitted to the Commission last November. A period of five months is provided for examination of the programme by the Commission in the context of determining approval. At the same time, the Commission will give its final approval for the national rural development programme. My Department is in negotiation with the Commission to provide clarifications and additional material sought. The aim is to clear the way for programme approval at the earliest possible date.
In parallel, the selection procedure is under way to determine the groups to deliver the programmes. The formal appointment of groups and the allocation of funding will be decided by Government following receipt of the Commission's approval of the operational programmes.
Meanwhile, pending the coming on stream of the programmes, my Department continues to provide interim funding to the existing Leader II groups without prejudice to help maintain core resources so that groups appointed can promptly commence programme delivery and support of projects in their rural areas. To date, some £3.2 million has been allocated under the interim funding arrangement.
