Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy knows that I have made every effort to try to improve the LEADER programme. I include in that a 55% reduction in the amount of paperwork required from the local action groups, standardised applications for those groups to assist in streamlining the process, revised and clarified procedure and new procurement arrangements for projects. I have made 31 improvements and a number of other changes as well. Projects do not have to go to Pobal by the end of the year in order to obtain approval for funding.

The Deputy asked a question, but I would ask him why some LEADER companies are able to have projects approved while others are not? I have some figures here which show that there are approvals in Carlow worth €4.797 million, including some 27 projects to the value of €1.721 million. In east Galway, there are 41 projects but only €38,000 has been spent. In west Galway, an amount of €143,000 has been spent. I have to question why some LEADER companies can do it and others cannot.

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