Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

We are finalising the CLÁR review at the moment. We are looking at maps, at Pobal figures around deprivation levels and population changes in recent years, and at the CSO figures in regard to urban-rural classifications. I hope to have that finalised over the summer, because it is well past time to have it done, and to have it ready for the autumn.

With regard to LEADER, the European Commission will publish its draft post-2027 CAP regulations later this year. We also expect that the MFF, multi-annual financial framework, proposals will be published in the middle of this month. As part of that negotiation process, it is Government policy to advocate for a distinct two-pillar, ring-fenced EU funding programme for CAP that supports farm resilience, environmental ambition and rural development. The Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, and I will be working very closely with the Minister, Deputy Heydon, the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste to secure that. I would imagine it will really kick off from the middle of this month when we will get a sense of the plans, but there is a long way to go in that regard. It is a very clear priority for this Department that we still have a defined funding line for LEADER within the new MFF.

On the question concerning the GAA, we have been engaging and trying to find out about this. The GAA is kind of busy this month, or some counties are. We are anxious to meet them in a format where I get feedback that is as wide as possible, so we are trying to set up the logistics of that. I have noticed from travelling around the country in the past two weeks that there is a lot of interest in that meeting and people are coming up to inquire about it. The system of demographic officers is a fantastic initiative of the GAA and is something we will engage with, not just in the context of Our Rural Future but also in the work of the Department.