Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Some counties, including Cavan, Monaghan, Kerry and Donegal, are doing very well out of the LEADER programme, which is now making allocations. The Deputy asked me whether I would redistribute any of that money. I do not want to do that. Every county has received its allocation and I want this money to be spent in the respective counties. If at some stage I have to review the whole scheme, I will do that.

The Deputy asked a fair question about making it easier for people to make the applications. Substantial grant aid is available under different schemes and the LEADER programme is now competing with some of these programmes. I want every single cent of that €250 million spent and I will make the necessary changes to ensure that occurs. The programme is ramping up now and the LEADER companies are making allocations. It is important that the work is now done and the various groups draw down the funding. As the Deputy knows, I cannot give them funding until the scheme is complete. The initial cost will be the set-up cost. The LEADER companies have to talk to people who want funding for projects. It is important the money is spent. I will continue to monitor the position because it is a good programme and one that I want to continue.

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