Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 3

Written Answers. - Leader Programmes.

Michael Finucane

Ceist:

156 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his attention has been drawn to the fact that most Leader agencies have exhausted all funding under the 1994-99 operational programme; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that, in accordance with the approval mechanism for the new Leader scheme, it may be 2001 before funding is provided with consequences for labour turnover for the current Leader agencies; his views on whether this will create instability; the financial supports which will operate from 1 January 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24281/99]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

The current Leader programme does not end until the end of June 2000. Funding has been committed by all of the Leader groups for their administrative costs until that date.

My Department is currently participating in discussions on draft European Commission guideline on Leader plus. The Commission has indicated that it will finalise its new rural development initiative before the end of 1999. Until final details are agreed, I am not in a position to comment on the financial supports which will operate or the basis on which groups may be approved for funding under the new programme.