Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 11: To ask the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government his plans to re-structure the LEADER companies rural development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15594/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The programme for Government and the 2010 report of the local government efficiency review group both outline the need to develop and improve the synergies between the programmes and plans of local development bodies and the work of local government. Increased co-operation will provide qualitative and quantitative efficiencies and should improve the impact of relevant programmes and plans of both the local authorities and the local development companies.

While there are currently no plans to restructure the local action groups or Leader groups, work is underway to assess the potential for co-operation between local government and other agencies delivering funding programmes for the State, including local action groups. All the relevant stakeholders will be involved in this process with the ultimate aim of improving the delivery of services to the public as outlined in the programme for Government. This work is being pursued as rapidly and substantively as possible and it would not be appropriate to predetermine the results at this stage. However, the Government's objective generally is to pursue efficiencies in all local structures and to ensure that delivery systems are as effective as possible for the public.

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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I refer specifically to Leader companies, which now come under the Minister's remit. Is there any merit in aligning these companies along county boundaries? One company straddles my own county and County Cork. Is it possible to achieve efficiencies in this regard?

Of the €427 million earmarked under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, only €102 million has been spent or contractually committed to date. This is surprising given the current environment. Has the Minister plans to spend the remaining funds?

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I will take on board the Deputy's suggestion about aligning the Leader groups and local development companies generally with county boundaries and local authorities. I have an open mind on the matter and will consider it in the context of our discussions. The rural development programme was slow to give itself up and there is a significant underspend at present. We are encountering difficulties with ACCESS 1 funding, particularly in regard to the food sector. We are working with the European Commission to determine how we can transfer ACCESS funds in order to allow the programme to continue. A total of €62 million is available this year.