Vol. 498 No. 2
177 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will ask the Leader companies to help establish producer or discussion groups in view of the changing economic circumstances in farming; and the benefits to be derived from the establishment of these groups. [26959/98]
In accordance with the bottom up philosophy of the programme, the approved groups under Leader have the decision making authority in relation to the funding of individual projects including the provision of assistance towards the establishment of sectoral bodies in their areas. The groups take their decisions in accordance with the priorities of the business plans which they themselves have drawn up for the development of their areas. In view of this I cannot request them to assist any particular type of project.
The EU requirements governing the programme place considerable constraints on the type of project which may be aided in the agriculture sector. As a result, producer or discussion groups may be aided only in very limited circumstances.
