Leader Programmes Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 May 2013

Thursday, 16 May 2013

Ceisteanna (200)

Michelle Mulherin

Ceist:

200. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will investigate and clarify the amount paid by Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Ltd and South West Mayo LEADER Partnership Limited to a company (details supplied) for the provision of public relations and consultancy services since 2007; the precise services provided in respect of each contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23439/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

My Department currently contracts a total of 51 Local Development Companies to deliver both the Local Community Development programme (LCDP) and the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programmes 2007-2013 (RDP). Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Ltd and South West Mayo LEADER Partnership have informed my Department that no payment was made to MOR Public Relations, Galway in the context of the delivery of these programmes.

Local Development Companies contracted to deliver both the LCDP and the LEADER elements of the RDP are private limited companies and as such my Department has no remit with regards to any expenditure incurred by these companies outside of the programmes for which my Department has direct responsibility.