Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is creating a decision-making structure that will be centralised under the county councils. Therefore, it will be much more difficult for people and those from marginalised groups to attend meetings on the issues because they will, more than likely, be centralised in a county building. The provision is a detrimental step and one the Minister should reconsider.

I wish to inquire about the discussions on economic plans vis-à-vis Leader funding. I know that the Minister has held substantial negotiations on the plans because the plans will rely greatly on money coming from Leader. There were reasons Leader was not allowed to have its money funnelled through the county councils. The thinking was that Leader money should be spent as close to the community as possible. I refer to the community and rural development elements of Leader. That policy has now been changed. Can the Minister clarify whether he now has the full imprimatur of the EU on funnelling Leader moneys through county councils? That is a change of policy. When was the decision made? Can we have the details?