Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Yes, I expect the bulk of the strategies to be submitted in January. Just six local development strategies have been received for evaluation, three of which will be considered next week by the panel of experts in the independent selection committee. It is a requirement that these strategies be subject to robust assessment by the committee. I appreciate the Deputy understands the programme should only commence in an area in which the strategy has been deemed by the committee to reach the acceptable standard. Once the committee approves a strategy, a contract for programme delivery will be signed within one month and administration funding will be advanced to the local action group. It is expected that a number of areas will have Leader funding in the new year, with the rest of the strategies being approved on a rolling basis. I am aware the Deputy is anxious, as am I, to see communities getting their money in January and February 2016. However, I also must allow the independent committee to do its job in the way it sees fit.

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