Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy and I want the money allocated by the Department to rural communities under the LEADER programme to be spent. It is in the interests of every Deputy in this House for these funds to be spent in rural areas. The Deputy is quite correct when he says that a balance is needed. Although the application process has been streamlined, there continues to be a need to ensure taxpayers' money is properly spent. The Deputy pointed to that need in his remarks. We are all accountable for ensuring money is spent where it should be spent. I am satisfied that the LEADER programme is beginning to work. I will ask my officials and the LEADER companies to get back in contact with groups with which they have previously been in consultation to ascertain whether they have found any difficulties with the application process. I want the programme to work. I want the money to be spent. I want the LEADER companies to do their jobs. I believe that is happening now. If there are any difficulties, I am prepared to look at them. I want the LEADER programme to be a success. I want to see funding. I want to see the projects up and running and completed.

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