Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:43 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason for the delay in getting the Leader+ programme under way; and the position in this regard. [18768/01]
Written Answers. - Leader Programmes.
The Commission's examination of the draft Leader+ operational programme has progressed through a number of procedural stages. My Department is in dis cussion with the Commission with a view to securing approval of the programme and this is anticipated within a number of weeks. EU Commission approval of the Leader+ programme will also clear the way for commencement of the Leader national rural development programme.
At the same time, the process of selecting local rural development groups to deliver Leader activity in the period to 2006 is under way. In the meantime, the interim payment arrangement to Leader groups without prejudice to the appointment of groups will continue in place. I established the arrangement to help maintain core resources and to sustain momentum and facilitate early evaluation and funding of projects under the new Leader programmes, when commenced.