Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is not the case. State agencies have to be funded by the State, as the Deputy knows. Communities work with the likes of the county councils, the western development commission and Údaras na Gaeltachta. Groups are coming to me who have been in contact with the LEADER groups, Údaras na Gaeltachta and the local authorities. These agencies went out and spoke to community groups. How does the Deputy think applications are made? A number of applications came in via the LEADER programme because the LCDCs were out meeting with and talking to various groups, and then groups made their applications.