Vol. 510 No. 3
156 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if the existing Leader companies, MFG, Tuatha Ciarraí South Kerry Development Partnership and Duhollan will continue their current functions under the next programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22260/99]
The Leader programme is the EU Community initiative for rural development. Draft European Commission guidelines on a new Leader initiative, termed Leader +, to which the Commission is committed under Agenda 2000, were circulated recently. My Department is participating in discussions on the these guidelines and the Commission has indicated that it will finalise its new rural development initiative later this year. Until final details are agreed, I am not in a position to comment on the areas in which the new programme will operate or the basis on which groups might be approved for funding.
157 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the future Government policy for the Leader programme; if the current network of Leader companies will be allowed to continue; the level of funding which will be available from the EU Commission and the Irish Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22261/99]
The Leader programme is the EU Community Initiative for rural development. Draft European Commission guidelines on a new Leader initiative, termed Leader +, to which the Commission is committed under Agenda 2000, were circulated recently. My Department is participating in discussions on the these guidelines and the Commission has indicated that it will finalise its new rural development initiative later this year. Until final details are agreed, I am not in a position to comment on the areas in which the new programme will operate, or the basis on which groups might be approved for funding.
Funding of 45 million euros, IR£35.4 million, has been agreed by the European Commission for the implementation of Leader + in Ireland. National funding for rural development is being considered in the context of the national development plan.
