Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I will ask two or three questions. The Leader programme was to run from 2007 to 2014, but it was announced last year that many office amalgamations did not occur. People were sitting around in rented offices. From where did that funding coming? Did it come from the 2007-13 programme?

Turning to the most important issue, the Minister amalgamated a number of companies, some of which were to bring all of their offices, equipment and resources with them. What has occurred in this regard? Have all of the amalgamated Leader programmes brought their assets with them? It has been brought to my attention that some companies were not prepared to do so despite the fact that many of their assets were provided using taxpayers' money. What is the up-to-date position?

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