Vol. 531 No. 3
181 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has received an application for funding from an organisation (details supplied) under the Leader+ and national rural development programme; and if so, the status of this application. [6041/01]
The rural development group concerned submitted business plans by way of applications to enter the selection process for groups to deliver the Leader+ programme and the Leader national rural development programme in the period to 2006.
The EU Leader+ programme was submitted by my Department to the EU Commission last November in accordance with the Commission's guidelines. My Department is in ongoing discussion with the Commission as regards text clarifications and provision of additional material with a view to obtaining Commission approval over the 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 text. The precise number of groups which will be appointed to deliver the programmes will be determined having regard to that text.
