Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I have two brief supplementary questions for the Minister. Will the Minister, when he goes to Brussels, make the case to the Commission that at a time when the troika is trying to stimulate our economy and create jobs we are being hampered in the creation of jobs in some of the most disadvantaged rural communities in the country because of a difficulty in regard to the interpretation of the rules coming from Brussels? It makes sense in light of the error that is being made to try to address this.

One of the most successful tents at the ploughing championships during the past number of years has been the LEADER tent. Droves of people have visited that tent to view and sample the produce of local food companies. Does the Minister believe it is crazy that next week, there will sadly be no food companies in the LEADER tent because of the bureaucracy attached to this? Surely it makes sense to try to release these funds and to get these businesses up and running and to promote and support them.

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