Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The issue is whether this is an add-on to other streams of funding or whether it is seen as a funding organisation in its own right. Mr. Keating has addressed this issue. The committee's report on FLAGs must highlight some of the facts Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív has given with regard to the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. If a figure of €2.5 million must be spent over two years and the new fund will kick in in 2015, unless it can be attached to other rural development programmes, coastal programmes or island development programmes, nothing will be achieved. As a structure, it is very good, but it all boils down to money.