Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Minister accepts that the Leader companies have done a good job where they have been working even if there were two in particular counties. Now that they are being amalgamated, people are concerned that there will be job losses but the Minister has confirmed that most of these people will move in with the company that is selected.

When is it expected to announce Leader IV and its funding? Many people, particularly in rural areas, wait to apply for grant aid and companies are waiting for their funding. When does the Minister expect to have it up and running?

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