Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the community development projects which have operated in disadvantaged areas under recent community support frameworks will be renewed; and when will agencies running these receive a financial envelope in order to frame new multi-annual plans. [25398/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Community Support Frameworks referred to by the Deputy represent the agreements concluded between the Irish Government and the European Commission on how Structural Funds are committed and managed. The Community Support Framework for Ireland 2000-2006 does not include the Community Development Programme which is funded by my Department. The Programme is delivered by 182 locally based projects.

While the current Community Development Programme expires at the end of 2006, I have proposed its continuation under the new National Development Plan for 2007 to 2013. I intend that the new programme will build on the successes of the current programme.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 185: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if additional funding will be allocated to Leader companies to meet commitments under village enhancement and other schemes, in view of the fact that much of the Leader related projects depend on matching or a portion of Leader funding; if he will make this necessary funding available; the reason for not making such funding available immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25439/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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No additional funds have been allocated, as yet, to Leader companies to fund the Leader element of projects such as village enhancement and other schemes in the extended CLÁR areas. Some companies may, however, be in a position to fund such projects from their existing resources. Consideration will be given to allocating further funding to Leader companies as the year progresses.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans post Leader; if another Leader related programme will be embarked upon post 2006; the discussions his Department have had with Leader companies regarding continuing the Leader programme past 2006; the discussions his Department have had at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25440/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland's Rural Development National Strategy Plan 2007-2013, which is currently with the European Commission, strongly endorses the Leader approach to delivering measures to the wider rural economy. My Department officials have met with the Commission and are awaiting agreement on the Strategy.

Following on from the imminent adoption of the overall National Strategy, a detailed National Rural Development Programme will be formulated and implemented from 2007. Stakeholders, including the Leader companies, were consulted during the preparation of the National Strategy Plan and will be consulted again on the potential content of the more detailed Programme.

In any event, the Deputy should note that the Programme will contain a dedicated chapter or axis devoted to mainstreaming the Leader approach in implementing rural development policy going forward.