Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On requests from people like the Deputy and others, I have reviewed the LEADER programme. We have made approximately 32 changes regarding the programme, especially to the administration of it. I changed many actions to make it easier with respect to applications, groups and the administration of the LEADER programme. I want to see it working. I want to see the money spent. I want to see these local action groups, LAGs, delivering on the programmes. Some counties are doing very well in that regard but others are not doing as well. I need to monitor that.

I have been told that 80% of the funding for project approvals will be approved by 2018. Allocations can be made up to the end of 2020 and project promoters have a further three years to get the work done to draw down the funding. I cannot do any more as the Minister responsible, and neither can the Department, to simplify this scheme. The Deputy will be aware, as he has been very much involved in the programme down the years, that there have been difficulties in some LEADER programmes throughout the country. There have been difficulties in the way some of them were run. I have a responsibility to the taxpayers of this country and also to Europe which is co-funding this scheme.

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