Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The amount of funding for Leader between 2014 and 2020 will be €250 million. It is a multi-annual programme and the €250 million will be drawn down over that period. The Senator is correct that the local improvement schemes are important to rural areas. That is why there is a stand-alone Ministry at Cabinet level under Deputy Ring. That is why there will be investment in the Leader programme and projects under it approved across the country. In County Mayo, the Minister will work closely with the Senator to ensure projects are delivered. If she has a list of them, I would be more than happy to go with her to have those projects prioritised. I know it is an important matter for her and her local community. I commend her on her volunteerism and work in the community. It is an example of what we should all be doing.

The Minister is committed to the Leader programme and the Government is committed to ensuring the local improvement schemes are in place and funding for them is available. If the Senator has a particular issue, I would be happy to bring it back to the Minister's attention for her.