Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. It is most disappointing to learn that only €31 million out of €250 million has been drawn down. We are at the end of the fourth year of the 2014-20 programme, which I accept was late getting off the ground. I have another question in respect of how we deal with it. Speaking to groups on the ground and people who have been involved in LEADER programmes over the years, it seems there has been too much bureaucracy. I know there has been some streamlining of the applications and approvals processes but more is needed. At a time when rural communities need investment, the provision of additional services and assistance for groups, individuals and community organisations that are trying to create employment, we have to ensure that every single cent of that €250 million is drawn down in good time. As the Minister knows, Departments and agencies sometimes have unspent funding as the end of the financial year approaches, which causes a rush to spend some money. The delay in approving projects and bodies trying to ensure full drawdown at the end of the year do not always result in the best value for money. Can the Minister assure us that the full complement of €250 million will be drawn down before the end of the programme in 2020? Groups need this investment and all of us in this House want to see that funding put to the best possible use.

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