Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that Deputy Mulherin has taken licence but I had better clarify the position on the Leader programme. Nobody would expect the Minister to condone the malpractice activities of Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta, MFG, a private company which had to be liquidated. In recent months the neighbouring Leader companies have taken to providing the necessary assistance for processing applications on behalf of the Department. There is no reason that projects in areas that were formerly funded by MFG cannot be put through the designated Leader companies in those areas. I am very familiar with north-east Mayo. There are concerns about the irregularities in the MFG company. It certainly has had an impact on the funding of projects but also, as the Deputy said, it is slowing down the necessary projects which can be submitted for approval. We will reach closure on that issue in the very near future. As the Deputy pointed out, we have had to go through due process. I share the Deputy's concern about the delay but not only is the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government involved, but also the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the European Commission. The oversight and audit division has had to investigate these matters thoroughly to ensure European taxpayers' money is protected and the irregularities dealt with. I can assure the Deputy that these matters will be brought to a head in the coming days.