Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I met representatives of LEADER companies recently. My officials meet them on a regular basis. We are prepared to iron out any difficulties they might have. I understand they are fairly satisfied with the procedures that are in place. They are fairly satisfied that the changes we have made have streamlined the LEADER programme. As a former Minister, Deputy Smith will be aware that checks are required when taxpayers' money is being spent. We are accountable to the taxpayers of this country and to European taxpayers. These schemes are subject to spot checks from Europe. The way the LEADER programme has started to expand since we made these changes, with more than 1,400 applications being approved, shows that we are getting the balance right. If these companies have any outstanding issues, they can raise them with me and my officials when we meet them on a regular basis. After we met them in May of last year, we made the changes they required. I am accountable to this House and to Europe in relation to taxpayers' money. I have to make sure there is a balance when applications are made. While there must not be too much bureaucracy, these schemes have to be run properly. If problems emerge on foot of a query or an audit from Europe, the taxpayers of this country will have to pick up the tab.

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