Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)

I refer specifically to Leader companies, which now come under the Minister's remit. Is there any merit in aligning these companies along county boundaries? One company straddles my own county and County Cork. Is it possible to achieve efficiencies in this regard?

Of the €427 million earmarked under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, only €102 million has been spent or contractually committed to date. This is surprising given the current environment. Has the Minister plans to spend the remaining funds?

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