Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Kenny. I want to see the money being spent. I want to see the programme in operation. I want local action groups to approve schemes. There is no delay in the Department and I guarantee that once the payments are required they will be made. It takes a while to identify schemes. The companies get involved and the schemes are approved and payment is made once the work is done. Deputy Kenny knows how the scheme operates.

I recently signed off on schemes in Waterford and Carlow. There were five halls in Carlow and there were hubs in Waterford. Deputy Kenny knows they will not happen overnight and that it will take time to develop them and for them to draw down the funding. I want the Leader money to be spent.

We met the Leader companies last May and we made 31 changes to reduce bureaucracy. We made it easier for companies to make applications. There are only two measures involved in making an application and the problems seem to arise after that. I want to see the money spent and going into rural areas. I want to see the companies working. It is my interest to see Leader working, as it is in the interest of Deputy Kenny, but the companies must also make it happen. I have brought in the Leader companies and talked to them and they are happy with the changes that have been made. I am looking to see if further changes are required in addition to the 31 changes we have already made. Deputy Kenny is aware that Leader is an EU-wide programme and we must comply with the rules and regulations set out.

See this speech in context