Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 3

Written Answers. - Leader Programmes.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

143 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the time-scale for the introduction of the national rural development Leader programme and the Leader+ operational programme; the reason for the long delay in its introduction; the effect the delay has in the development of any worthwhile projects in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8902/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

The EU Leader+ draft operational programme was submitted by my Department to the European Commission in November last in accordance with the Commission's guidelines. Under the approval procedure, the Commission has a period of five months in which to examine the programme. My Department is in ongoing contact with the Commission as regards points of clarification which have beeen sought. The intention is to gain Commission acceptance and programme approval over the coming weeks. At the same time, final approval will be given for the Leader national rural development programme.

The process of selecting local rural development groups to deliver the programmes is proceeding in parallel. The independent consultant contracted to assess the business plans submitted by groups by way of application to be considered for delivery of the programmes is at work and will make recommendations which will be taken into account by my Department's selection committee. It is expected that the selection committee will complete its work within a short time frame. The committee will make a report to Government and the formal appointment of the appropriate number of groups and the allocation of funding will be decided by Government, having regard to the terms of the Commission's approval when received.

In the meantime and so as to help bridge the gap between the conclusion of the Leader II programme and the commencement of the two new programmes which will operate in the period to 2006, I have to date allocated interim funding amounting to some £3.2 million to Leader groups without prejudice as to which groups will be appointed under the new programmes. This funding has helped to maintain core resources in the Leader II companies to facilitate the efficient and orderly conclusion of Leader II funding of projects and to ensure that groups when appointed can immediately commence appraisal and funding of sustainable new projects.