Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply but I am exceptionally disappointed by it. He has clarified that he does not see any need or have any intention to allocate additional LEADER funding to County Donegal over the coming years. As I indicated in my initial question, the programme for Government on page 42 commits to increasing LEADER funding. The initial allocation was €250 million nationally and the programme for Government has indicated that this will be increased. However, today in the Dáil the Minister has indicated his opinion that Donegal has enough money to meet demand.

First and foremost, I point out that the allocation given to Donegal under this LEADER programme is more than 30% less than it had in the previous programme. From speaking with LEADER management in the county and those on the various committees, I know the programmes in Donegal would be well able to deal with any additional funding that might be allocated to them. It would be of great benefit to rural development in our county. Will the Minister go back to the drawing board and revisit the programme for Government's commitment to increase funding and specifically to ensure there is increased funding for LEADER provided to Donegal. I give the Minister the utmost assurance that this would be spent well if allocated to the county.

See this speech in context