Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy. I have done everything possible to make changes in order to make it simpler for people, in particular those in the LEADER companies, to administer the scheme. Since I came into office, I have made more than 32 changes. The Deputy is correct that the inconsistency around the country is unbelievable. Yesterday, when I was going through these questions, I looked at this issue of inconsistency. The Deputy is correct that some counties have to be complimented because they are dealing with the projects, paying out funding and doing very well. I have asked my officials to go through every LEADER company, and where LEADER companies are not spending their money, I am going to start reallocating that money. That message will go out loud and clear from this House today. The Deputy referred to the administration costs, which are 25% of the overall cost of the programme. It is a lot of money but we are paying people to do the job. I have made the changes and I cannot do any more.

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