Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

Almost 12 months ago I raised my concerns about the decision by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, to merge the partnership and Leader programmes around the country. I mention this because in my own locality, the Arigna Leader programme has been highly influential in ensuring that development was secured for the area.

It is said that this is Ireland of the welcomes and each day one hears of Ministers welcoming grants of €10,000 and €5,000, etc. However, in this instance I asked for proper consultations for transparency and accountability. It is clear that the news is not good regarding the Arigna Leader programme, which serves County Leitrim as well as north-west Roscommon very well. I ask that the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs should come before the House and explain the reason that staff from his Department asked members of the Arigna Leader programme for a two-week confidentiality clause. This is extremely serious.