Rural Development Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 March 2018

Thursday, 29 March 2018

Ceisteanna (314)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

314. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a review of the rural development programme, RDP, targets, both participation and expenditure levels, committed to originally has commenced in view of the passing of the motion supporting the suckler sector on 21 February 2018 in Dáil Éireann; if so, if the two-month deadline for the review to be completed will be met; and if not, the reason therefor. [14841/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The implementation of the Rural Development Programme is reviewed on an on-going basis to ensure that EU objectives are met and that all EU funding is fully drawn down.  The latest review, just completed,  confirms that the entire budget of some €4 billion is fully committed and expected to be spent and therefore no new schemes under the RDP can be considered at this time.