Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I tabled some parliamentary questions on this matter. In his reply the Minister said €40 million is allocated for this year but we are halfway through the year and the most recent reply I received stated €9 million has been drawn down so far. Some of the groups told me they are having difficulty in accessing the funding from the Leader programme. Will the full €40 million be drawn down for this year, particularly given the current economic difficulties in the country? It is very important that as much of that funding as possible can be spread around the country to try to create badly needed jobs. Is the Minister happy that the Exchequer funding will be in place for this year and for the duration of the programme from 2007-13? It is very important that it is, as well as the European funding which can be matched by it, in place.

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