Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is quite correct. LEADER is not the only show in town but it is the only one that is community led. I will come back to what the Minister asks LEADER companies to deliver in their transition programmes. The Minister asks them to support rural business, especially in the context of innovation, diversification, Covid and Brexit. That is crucial in Border counties. LEADER companies are asked to look at ensuring adequate resources not just for the companies themselves but for the LEADER companies that will develop and deliver those programmes. The Minister asks that they support innovative projects in the areas of climate change and the green economy and, quite rightly, that they maximise the potential of the digital economy, all of which are excellent initiatives. I again ask the Minister to look at the level of resources provided and to please ensure a sustainable, effective and adequately funded LEADER programme.

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