Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to think it is simple to approve every project, but that is not true of any project, whether under or over the level of €150,000. They must meet certain criteria and are subject to an EU audit. The larger the project, the greater the degree of care and the attention paid by the local action group. Larger projects often require the assistance of the Department in order to meet the obligations, rules and criteria laid down.

I hope the Deputy would agree that co-operation between the local development companies and the Department is quite good on these matters, and that the work of the local action groups, LAGs, in assisting the Department continues to be quite fruitful in getting these projects over the line in order to meet EU requirements. Otherwise, as applies in a number of cases, there would be open spot-check inspections by the European Commission for the purpose of ascertaining whether the rural development programme is adhering to the original criteria. Unfortunately, there are some cases in that category currently, and some of them are under pressure to meet the original criteria. I do not want that to happen in any major projects involving over €150,000.

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