Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Unless we start to have regard to SIPO's findings, it is pointless. If there are findings but no adverse repercussions, or no repercussion at all, it is a rather pointless system. We certainly need to overhaul the entire system.

To come back to the point I was making, Ms Hurley said there was funding of €180 million for the current LEADER programme. My understanding is the Department is at phase 2 of the expressions of interest. I find it slightly concerning from the point of view of value for money that we now have it open to 48 groups whereas it was entirely administered by local authorities or the expressions of interest only came from local authorities. Seventeen local development bodies have applied or issued an expression of interest. Funding for the proposals has been increased to €50,000 each. This comes to €2 million. Does this €2 million come out of the overall €180 million given that slightly less than half of the proposals will be allocated contracts?