Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The LEADER funding comes under the rural development programme within the CAP.

As the Deputy knows as well as I do, this makes a massive contribution to the rural economy, supporting new ideas, farm diversification, rural business and the economy. It will be essential and the intention is that there would be a very substantial LEADER programme in the next rural development programme. It is important that this is structured in a way that involves local community input. This will be discussed and considered as part of the next CAP.

The Deputy makes a fair point on the fishery waters matter. We are part of the Common Fisheries Policy and the best way to ensure our share from our waters and international waters is maintained is the right outcome from the Brexit negotiations. I assure the Deputy we will do everything at a Government level to protect the interests of Irish fishermen in that process in the weeks ahead.