I propose to take Questions Nos. 648 and 664 together.
As I said in my reply to Question No. 327 of 6 April last, Area Development Management Limited, which administers the rural transport initiative on behalf of my Department, is undertaking an appraisal of the scheme. It will be an appraisal of the entire initiative, which covers 34 separate projects, including the project operated by the south Westmeath rural transport association. The appraisal is expected to be completed by the summer. The primary objective of the appraisal is to identify the key impact of the scheme and policy lessons that have emerged from its implementation. When the appraisal has been completed, I will consider the findings and take whatever decisions are appropriate with regard to the continuation of the initiative and the funding of rural transport projects generally and in good in time for the period after 2004.