Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I will take on board the Deputy's suggestion about aligning the Leader groups and local development companies generally with county boundaries and local authorities. I have an open mind on the matter and will consider it in the context of our discussions. The rural development programme was slow to give itself up and there is a significant underspend at present. We are encountering difficulties with ACCESS 1 funding, particularly in regard to the food sector. We are working with the European Commission to determine how we can transfer ACCESS funds in order to allow the programme to continue. A total of €62 million is available this year.

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