Vol. 408 No. 9
5 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number and grade of all staff assigned in his Department to implement and oversee the EC Commission operational programme for rural development; the total amount involved in this programme and the period in which it will be spent; if he will outline the method being used to monitor the allocation of this expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The total amount of EC and State funds envisaged under the Operational Programme for Rural Development, which will cover the period 1991 to 1993, is about £104 million. The EC LEADER initiative on Rural Development is additional to the operatonal programme. A monitoring committee representative of the EC Commission and the various Departments and State bodies concerned, together with the social partners, has been established to monitor and oversee the implementation of the programme. This Committee is chaired by an official of my Department. In addition, of course, all disbursements under the programme will be subject to the normal controls and procedures governing expenditure by the State.
The Operational Programme for Rural Development comprises a number of individual measures which are dealt with by various divisions within my Department and the other Departments and State bodies concerned. I have established a specific division within my own Department with general responsibility for ensuring effective implementation of the overall rural development policy. This division is headed by a principal officer with the appropriate supporting staff.
Does that mean that the Department of Agriculture and Food disburse the various amounts mentioned in the press release to the individual Departments, who then apply their own criteria before spending it on the various categories? When is it proposed to give those Departments the amounts of money mentioned so that they can proceed with the options?
It goes without saying that of necessity there must be consultation between the unit, the Department, and the different State bodies and State agencies involved. Consultation occurs on an ongoing basis. The drawing down of funds would be very much dependent on whether the various projects eligible for aid come on stream.
I have two further questions. Does that mean, for instance, that the Department would give money to the Department of Energy for that Department to spend the money on forestry production or, indeed, on forestry roads, which are now in an appalling condition? Is there not an inherent disadvantage in all of that, for instance, under the aspect dealing with animal production, in that many parts of the country are unsuitable for the breeding of sport horses; for the rearing of deer, goats, commercial rabbits; or for greyhound breeding, as is mentioned in the release?
The Deputy is widening the scope of the question very much.
It is a very broad issue, a Cheann Comhairle.
The different headings under which grant aid is available will be suitable for different parts of the country. It is reasonable to assume that applications for aid will come forward on that basis. It is highly unlikely that someone in Mayo, for instance, would submit an application for consideration if its potential and viability were not suitable having regard to the physical characteristics of the area.
We certainly welcome the separate division and accept that they will consider applications in a professional manner. However, the problem with most EC schemes is that grants are taken up by larger groupings and the small people do not receive the financial aid. I hope that on this occasion cognisance will be taken of that and that there will not be just a pound for a pound grant but also an acceptance of the various projects put forward, especially from rural areas, under the rural development scheme. I hope that those making decisions will be flexible and will take into account the financial position of groups that apply.
I assure Deputy Leonard that the grant aid proposed under the different headings is generous by any standards and is very attractive to anyone who has the necessary innovation to get projects under way.
When does the Minister expect to be in a position to start disbursing the £4 million mentioned?
It will be on 20 June, probably.
Is that money already in the possession of the Department of Agriculture and Food? When would the Minister expect the money to start going to the different Departments for implementation of the programmes?
That seems to be a separate question, Deputy Kenny.
I think that I covered that aspect. For instance, in my own area of responsibility, horticulture, the process of inspection of the various applications that have been made in relation to potatoes is very much under way. The Government are hopeful that the payment of grants can be put in place as quickly as possible.
Whether they go to Brussels depends on what colour you are, that is for sure. The evidence is there to be seen.
The Deputy should not make charges such as that unless he has the facts.
I have; I would not make the charges otherwise.
