Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 42: To ask the Minister for Community; Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will provide an update on his discussions with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation regarding closer cooperation between LEADER groups and County Enterprise Boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39638/10]

Deputies:

The main objectives of the rural development programme, RDP, 2007-13 are to improve the quality of life in rural areas and facilitate the diversification of the rural economy. Axes 3 and 4, LEADER, of the RDP, for which my Department has responsibility, continue to facilitate access to significant financial resources for rural communities. Enterprise support has always been a significant element of successive programmes facilitating rural development in Ireland, including the current and previous LEADER elements of such programmes.

Deputies:

I believe that the enterprise funding available under the RDP adds value to other supports available by specifically targeting rural areas and by seeking to reinforce the economic impact of similar and related interventions under other axes of the RDP and, indeed, other national programmes.

Deputies:

I can assure the Deputy that I work closely with my Cabinet colleagues, particularly the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, to promote increased co-operation between groups promoting LEADER and other agencies either directly or indirectly involved in supporting enterprise - specifically the county enterprise boards. Our aim is to ensure that we maximise the impact of all of the funding available and support enterprise and job creation in rural areas to the greatest extent possible, while at the same time ensuring that no unnecessary or inefficient overlaps or duplication occur.

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Tááthas orm a bheith anseo inniu. Tá ard-mheas agam ar an Aire, ar Conradh na Gaeilge, Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge agus na heagraíochtaí Gaeilge eile ar fud na tíre. Tá súil agam go mbeimis ag obair le chéile.

I have just one question for the Minister on this. Did he raise the issue with the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development during his recent visit and, in the event, what was the outcome?

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I met the Commissioner, along with my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Brendan Smith, and we discussed a wide range of issues. This is probably the first time, I gather, that rural development has been assigned to the Agriculture Commissioner, and he expressed considerable interest, not just in the LEADER programme, but in the general bottom-up approach it is taking, enabling local communities to take decisions for themselves. Both Deputy Smith and I emphasised to the Commissioner that in the next round of discussions on agricultural policy reform and financial allocations, account should be taken of the importance of such initiatives as LEADER.

For the information of the House I have also met the Development Commissioner, who has a considerable degree of direct experience of rural issues. I am happy there is comprehensive understanding at the EU level of the importance of this programme, and of what are termed outside-the-farm-gate aspects.

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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What impact will this have on existing rural development structures? In particular, will it impact on recently restructured community development projects and their funding under the community development programme?

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I do not believe so. The origins of the LCDP programme are different, first of all. Even in the mid-term I do not foresee significant changes in what the LEADER programme is doing. There is greater collaboration at this stage, I believe, between all the local stakeholders right across the country, if for no other reason than they realise a smaller pot of money is now available, and they have to work together more closely. There is evidence that groups are coming together to achieve common objectives that are shared by all.