I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta (MFG) was contracted by my Department to deliver two programmes in Gaeltacht areas, the Rural Development Programme (RDP) Axes 3 and 4, and the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP). MFG also implemented other programmes on behalf of other Government Departments.
I understand the difficulty that the recent dissolution of this company is having on project promoters in Gaeltacht areas and I am sympathetic to this situation; however, it is my Department's responsibility to ensure that any solution arrived at will maintain the continued effective delivery of services in Gaeltacht areas previously supplied by MFG. Potential solutions must also be compliant with the relevant national and EU regulations and frameworks.
There are complex legal and contractual issues in regard to MFG to be resolved and my Department is currently working on both long and short term solutions to ensure the continued delivery of the RDP and other programmes in Gaeltacht areas, including those in Co Mayo. My intention is to find a solution that will be efficient and effective and applied at the earliest possible opportunity.