There were 36 Local Action Groups contracted, on my Department's behalf, to deliver the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP) throughout the country. Each group was contracted to deliver the programme on the basis of a business plan submitted as part of the group selection process. These groups are private limited companies and as such my Department has no role with regard to the structure and function of the group or any role regarding employment matters within these groups. Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta (MFG) was contracted by my Department to deliver the LEADER elements of the RDP as well as implementing other programmes on behalf of my and other Departments. There are complex legal and contractual issues to be resolved in regard to MFG and my Department is currently working on both long and short term solutions to ensure the continued delivery of the RDP and other programmes in Gaeltacht areas. My intention is to find a solution that will be efficient and effective and applied at the earliest possible opportunity.
