Mr. John Walsh:

I will set out the position on the Leader programme at the moment. Before the new round of the Leader programme started, the islands ran their own programmes. These were made up of three rounds. The islands were always classed as a distinct region. Comhar na nOileán and Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann were always asked to make a submission for the islands. However, because of the new policy on local government, this time the islands have been split into the four county regions.

There are 28 regions in the country, but we are pushing to get a 29th region made up of the islands. The idea is that they would form a separate region. Given the way it works at the moment, we will express an interest in the next round of the Leader programme. Previously, we would have based a submission on one budget for the four areas, whereas now we will have to express an interest in west Cork, Galway, Mayo and Donegal. This weakens the position of Comhar na nOileán. It is still hanging in the balance and is in no way secure.