Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I can offer the Deputy all the hope he requires. These grants have not been done away with. We have not opened another applications round this year, but money is available to deal with the programmes that are already approved. I am confident that all the money allocated for this year will be drawn down in full, because the overhang is greater than the current allocation. Therefore, there is no possibility that any of that allocation will be left over. I recognise there is an anxiety and desire on all sides of the House to ensure this programme continues into the future. My colleagues have spoken to me regularly about the issue. I am keen to have a new programme in place as soon as possible. I hope the strategic framework we will shortly have in place will indicate how best that can be done.

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