Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have had negotiations at Cabinet about the CAP. The Deputy knows that is important, particularly for rural people, rural life, farmers and agriculture. On the Leader aspect, the negotiations are ongoing. We cannot show our hand yet. We have to wait and see what the negotiations will finalise. As the Deputy knows, Commissioner Hogan indicated that if the rest of the European Union increased its contribution by 10%, we would be able to increase Leader funding.

As such, we have to wait and see what the final negotiations are. At Cabinet level, I will ensure we maintain the funding for Leader, but we have to wait and see what happens. This must also go to the European Parliament where our MEPs will have a contribution to make. This has a long way to go yet.

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