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

As I mentioned, I represent two counties which have had the benefit of a LEADER programme since its inception in 1991 following the decision of the then European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ray MacSharry, to initiate a programme across the European Economic Community. Community groups have bought into it. We have seen great benefits arising from LEADER programme investment. The people whom I represent and who are involved in communities and small businesses are anxious that we achieve the maximum drawdown of funding in this programme.

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