I propose to take Questions Nos. 31, 43 and 44 together.
The agreement negotiated at the recent meeting of the Council of Agriculture Ministers in Luxembourg marked the culmination of important negotiations. Throughout these negotiations my Department has worked in close partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Food. This collegiate approach will continue as we now proceed to prepare a national rural development plan.
The recent EU agreement covers a wide range of measures including on-farm investment, agri-environment measures, support for young farmers, food processing and Leader. The format allows flexibility for the continuation of current successful rural development programming, by grouping measures under the three main objectives of competitiveness, the environment and the wider rural economy.
While the actual amount of funding must await agreement on the EU budget, I welcome the stipulation that at least 10% of the money Ireland receives under the European agriculture fund for rural development will now be spent on the provision of services and-or support in the rural economy beyond the farm gate. A minimum funding level of 5% will be dedicated to mainstreaming the Leader methodology, which is almost double the present level of funding. Overall, this will mean a considerable increase in support for rural development programmes implemented by my Department. The agreement also provides for basic services for the economy and rural population and a new provision which will cover cultural and leisure activities.
Overall, this new approach to rural development is likely to enable development of a fuller range of programmes and projects to be supported, leading to the creation of new enterprises and employment opportunities and helping to achieve the Government's objective of balanced regional development and sustainable and vibrant rural communities. Work will now commence on a national rural development plan which will include preparation of a joint national rural development strategy and a detailed national rural development programme. The process will include working closely with stakeholders.