The Local Action Groups selected to deliver the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme are private companies limited by guarantee. These Groups are contracted to deliver a number of programmes on behalf of my Department, however, my Department has no role to play in their management, staffing or salaries levels. These are matters primarily for the Boards of the respective Groups. For completeness I should mention that under the programme an upper limit of 20% of expenditure is permitted on administration.
My Department is of course concerned to have the programmes delivered in a cost effective manner.