Vol. 503 No. 3
235 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps, if any, he has taken to ensure that Leader funds are being utilised to best effect; and the proportion of Leader funding allocated by Leader companies to projects sponsored by directors of those companies. [9955/99]
Under the bottom up philosophy of the Leader programme, the approved local action groups have the decision making authority in relation to the utilisation of funds and the approval of projects for grant aid within their operational areas. The groups take their decisions with reference to the priorities of the business plans which they themselves have drawn up for the development of their areas and within the constraints of the operating rules which have been set down by my Department.
The approved groups have reported that, in overall terms, less than 0.5 per cent of the funds available to them have been allocated to date to projects sponsored by directors of the groups. My Department has laid down strict procedures in relation to the evaluation and approval of projects sponsored by board members.
236 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the percentage of funds from the Western Rural Development Leader Company allocated to projects outside of Ballina and Kiltimagh, with particular reference to Swinford, Charlestown and Ballyhaunis in County Mayo. [9956/99]
In accordance with the bottom up philosophy of the Leader programme, the approved local action groups have the authority for decision making in relation to the approval of grant aid for projects within their operational area. I have asked the Western Rural Development Co. Ltd. to supply the information requested direct to the Deputy.
237 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the grants, if any, from the Western Rural Development Leader Company approved by that company in favour of its constituent parts (details supplied) or companies in which these bodies have an interest. [9957/99]
In accordance with the bottom up philosophy of the Leader programme, the approved local action groups have the authority and responsibility for decision making in relation to the allocation of funding and approval of grant aid for projects in their areas. I have asked the Western Rural Development Co. Ltd. to supply the information requested direct to the Deputy.
