Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will address the question of Leader funding first. I want to be clear that in the event of any Leader savings emerging this year, I will seek, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, to ensure that the value of any savings will be retained for the benefit of rural Ireland. It would arise if all of the money is not spent, although I would still say it is early. I am meeting them next week and will listen very carefully. We must sort out the issues, iron out the problems and get this money out. The point I want to be very clear about is that if any savings emerge, I want the money involved to be spent in rural Ireland. That will be in that budget.