Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I tabled this question because there is great concern among Leader groups. They want the announcement immediately. They want to know the rules and regulations and the level of funding. Thousands of people throughout the country are waiting to see what the new Leader programme will bring and how they can apply for it.

Does the Minister have plans to downsize and amalgamate some of the Leader groups rather than having two or three in some areas? When will we have a definite date for the announcement? People want to know. What are the Leader groups doing now? The previous programme is finished and the funding has run out. There is no point in having people sitting in offices when there are people who want to apply for grant aid. The Leader programme has worked and I support the Minister's efforts in this area. We now want to know when the new programme will be rolled out.

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