Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 1992

Vol. 415 No. 1

Written Answers. - Leader Programme Groups.

John V. Farrelly

Ceist:

156 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will give details of the number of people that will be appointed, in each county, to carry out the Leader programme work on behalf of the Government; if any of the existing agencies such as Shannon Development Team, will be taking part in this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Dr. Woods)

Leader is an initiative on rural development co-financed by the EC and the Irish Government. It encourages groups in local communities to organise themselves and to draw up plans for the development of their own areas.

Seventeen groups have been successful in getting funds for their business plans under the Leader programme. The essence of Leader is that, while the groups are being provided with funds, the detailed implementation of the business plan is the responsibility of the groups themselves. Consequently, the appointment of staff to carry out their business plans is also a matter for the groups themselves.

My Department does, of course, have overall responsibility for the operation of Leader in Ireland.