Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I simplified this scheme. Deputy Martin Kenny talked about paperwork. We changed the rules and made 31 changes. We got rid of 55% of the paperwork. I cannot do any more. I am happier now than I was last year. I was frustrated last year with some of the companies that did not make any effort to do something to get this funding out. I want this Leader funding spent and used on the ground and I want to see the projects up and running. I want to see jobs created from it and communities benefit from the Leader companies. I am happier than I was a year ago because I now see that the applications are coming in and are being approved and that the work is starting. I can see a problem down the line. At some stage, some Minister will have to find extra funding because in some year, a lot of this funding will have be drawn down from the Department. The Government and the Department know this but at least now, I see a big improvement. Deputy Martin Kenny's own county is not doing too badly but I see counties with five, four, three or two projects. I want to see projects approved and up and running and I want to see the money spent and in place. I have it in place. It creates a problem for me at the end of the year when this funding is not spent.

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