Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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I am not necessarily very prescriptive with the particular Departments, but the interdepartmental group is working in a parallel process on developing a strategy for rural Ireland. It is happening within the timeline for 2015 and the approach is one of "suck it and see". The evidence from the pilot programmes will inform the policies. I not being hugely prescriptive at this point. The pilot schemes will provide the underlying policy for job creation in rural Ireland.

The Leader groups will have local autonomy, and they will be the local action group. The LCDC structure is providing the alignment process. We will be looking for expressions of interest very soon and we hope to be handing out the money in the autumn. Expressions of interest are imminent. I am a little hampered in speaking about SICAP because there is a tendering process under way and the decisions are imminent. I do not wish to say anything that might cause any difficulties down the line. If the Senator could bear with me I will come back to him.