Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

There are no incendiary devices. This project has been deliberately worked out and much of it was done in consultation with the sector. Contrary to Deputy Feighan's remarks, the budget for rural communities has been, in fact, increased significantly for the coming year. The outturn for this year is €48 million and it will be €60 million for the Leader programme next year. A great deal of work can and is being done and will be done under this heading. I do not agree with the remarks. The Leader programme benefits not only mainland communities but the island communities. Comhar na nOileáin and MFG are two Leader companies that do remarkably good work in this area. I do not agree that anything approaching the level of reduction insinuated has been applied to rural communities. The reverse is the case.

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