Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 May 2018
215. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a representative of an organisation (details supplied) will be included on the EU monitoring committee for the Rural Development Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20229/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Monitoring Committee for Ireland’s Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014–2020 was set up in accordance with Article 47 of (EU) Regulation 1303/2015, which requires that it be in place within three months of the Commission decision to adopt the new RDP. The Monitoring Committee was therefore formed in July 2015, following a comprehensive selection process. The aim of that process was to ensure that the relevant public authorities, economic and social partners and civil society were involved in the implementation and monitoring of the Irish RDP through active participation in the Committee.
While I am satisfied that the Committee is successfully carrying out its function with the present composition of the Committee, the question of extending the representation to the organisation in question is a live issue. I have met with representatives of the organisation and they subsequently provided detailed additional information, which is being considered by officials in my Department.
