Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There have been many public meetings in recent times and a great deal of confusion has been generated. I am sure the Cathaoirleach will be in a good position to clarify these issues and give people the true position regarding the fact that the funding for the rural development programme, through which a small number of the total of 1,900 people are employed, is under the greatest pressure.

Of the 30 people employed in Athenry, I suspect approximately five are involved in the rural development programme with the remaining 25 involved in the other programmes. The vast majority of the people employed in Athenry will continue to be employed but, equally, we have to look at the administrative funding and how we can eliminate the duplication of administrative structures to ensure the funding goes to the projects and the front-line services, which is what the funding is all about.