Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is very simple. The regulation has not been made by Europe but we expect it to be signed in the near future. When it is signed, we will make our claims. As I said previously, in 2020 we will be reimbursed for the money we have spent. This is not the fault of the Department or the Government. The regulation must be signed by the European Commission and I presume we will have to wait until the new Commission is in place. The minute the regulation is signed, we will be looking to get our money back.

Funding of €60 million is to be spent over three years, at €20 million per annum, in a co-funding arrangement between the EU and the national Government and that money will be spent. The money will be drawn down as soon as the regulation is signed. We cannot submit our funding application until the regulation is signed.

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