Vol. 537 No. 5
231 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the timescale for the introduction of the national rural development Leader programme and the Leader+ operational programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16884/01]
In accordance with European Commission guidelines, my Department submitted the Leader+ draft operational programme to the European Commission in November. The examination for approval has progressed through a number of Commission procedural stages and my Department is actively negotiating with the Commission with a view to finalisation and obtaining approval of the operational programme within the next number of weeks. Approval of the Leader+ programme will also clear the way for commencement of the Leader national rural development programme.
The process of selecting local development groups to deliver the two 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 concluding the work and will make recommendations which will be taken into account. It is expected that the selection committee will arrive at conclusions within a short time frame, having regard to the terms of the Commission's approval when received. I will then make a report to Government and the appointment of the appropriate number of groups will be decided by Government. The selected rural development groups will be contracted to deliver the programmes and funding will be allocated to the groups concerned.
