Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The focus of programme D is to deliver schemes and services effectively and efficiently, provide a quality service to all of our clients and adhere to the highest standards of good corporate governance. The key policies driving this programme include providing farm income support through the implementation of the areas of natural constraint scheme and maintaining high standards of financial management, as verified by reports from the audit committee, the Comptroller and Auditor General, FEOGA - the certifying body - and EU auditors. In budget 2016, €200 million has been allocated to areas of natural constraint under the rural development programme, an increase on the initial allocation of €195 million in previous years. This funding will continue to support farmers farming in disadvantaged areas and will generate important multiplier effects in local economies.