Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

On CSOP, we have not finalised the exact allocation but the scheme will operate again next year. As Deputy Ring will be aware, the review is nearly complete and the scheme is open at present.

On the query on the CDPs, if I learned one lesson in the re-organisation of the Leader partnership companies, it was that drawing out these matters does not solve anything. Therefore, it is important to set finite dates.

There are two issues here. There is a small number, approximately 30 out of 180 CPDs, which are recommended for closure. There is a clear process in place. They have been told why, they get a date to appeal, the appeal will be assessed and that will finish that process. There is no point in dragging it out because a decision must be made. However, they are very much the minority. The rest of the CDPs will retain approximately the same funding next year as they had this year.

The third issue is the new overarching programme so that where there are CDPs and a partnership company operating in the same area, there is a coherent approach. The Minister of State has stated that the modalities of that will be worked out over the coming year but the decision on principle has been made and will be implemented.

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