Vol. 531 No. 3
162 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the position on the process of selection for Leader company applications under the national rural development programme and the new EU Leader plus programme; and if the Rural Dublin Leader Company Limited is one of the successful applicants. [5693/01]
The EU Leader programme was submitted by my Department to the European Commission last November in accordance with the Commission's guidelines. My Department is in ongoing discussion with the Commission as regards text clarifications and the provision of additional material. The aim is to gain Commission acceptance and programme approval in coming weeks. At the same time, final approval will be given for the Leader national rural development programme.
The selection process for groups to deliver the programmes is proceeding in parallel. The formal appointment of groups and the allocation of funding will be decided by Government following receipt of the Commission's approval.
