Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

An external pre-report on the new Leader programme report also examined what occurred under previous programmes. Sometimes, I wonder about the worth of so many evaluations. I have yet to see an evaluation that states something is rubbish. The evaluation groups always ask for additional processes.

While I may have the wrong attitude, I am impressed when the ordinary people of an area and not the people promoting the programme tell me that it is delivering on the ground and has made a difference. I am impressed by visible effects. Today, many of those involved in the rural social schemes and RAPID communities visited Dublin. The external evaluators that I rely on in my heart and soul are the ordinary people for whom this is all meant. If they say that a programme makes a difference, I believe them. If they say it is not affecting their lives, I will listen carefully irrespective of how favourable any report that I receive might be. As well as conducting professional reports, it is important we ask a simple question of those living in the areas. If they say a programme does not make a difference, hard, extra analysis is warranted. I do not know whether the Deputy agrees with my homespun approach, but I often find it gives me more truth than many of the thick, professionally produced documents I receive.

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