Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As the Taoiseach is aware, page 42 of the programme for Government commits to work with local authorities, local action groups and local communities to ensure that Leader funding delivers the maximum possible potential and indeed benefits for the communities. A main concern with the new programme designed for Leader is its bureaucratic nature. Groups find it very difficult to access funding and I am sure the Taoiseach is aware of this. Recent figures from the Department show that just 335 approvals for projects have been given so far, compared with 2,800 projects approved under the previous programme. There is clearly a problem with the process. Only €8.25 million of the Leader budget of €250 million has been approved for funding. There are difficulties. How will the Taoiseach address this and does he acknowledge that there are problems with this new system?

See this speech in context