Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
911. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position on the need to increase LEADER funding for the national food initiative from 50% to 75%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36547/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government includes a number of commitments in relation to the LEADER programme, including the question of increasing the rate of aid applicable to private enterprises from 50% to 75%.
My Department has engaged with a number of stakeholders, including the Local Development Companies who work closely in the delivery of the LEADER programme, to obtain their views on the proposal for an aid rate increase for private enterprises.
I have considered the views of the stakeholders in relation to this matter and I am giving consideration to the issue in the context of the Transitional LEADER Programme which will be introduced in 2021.
A similar increase in relation to projects funded under the LEADER Food Initiative will be also be considered in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine who jointly manage this initiative with my Department.
The design, duration and composition of the Transitional LEADER Programme are currently being finalised and I hope to be in a position shortly to announce the full details of the Programme.
