Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 1201: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures included in the Rural Development Plan 2006-2013; when the plan was sent to the European Commission for approval; when she anticipates approval will be received; if a draft of the document will be made available immediately to Oireachtas Members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29614/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The new rural development programme will cover the period 2007 to 2013. A draft programme is currently being finalised and will issue for public consultation. It will also be subject to independent evaluation and a strategic environmental assessment. Following this process, the programme will be submitted for approval to the EU Commission. I have emphasised to the Commission the importance of having the programme in place by early 2007 and I anticipate that this will be the case.

The measures in the programme will address the three objectives set out in the EU rural development framework. These concern competitiveness, the environment and quality of life/diversification of economic activity. The measures will be detailed in the draft document, which on finalisation I will be pleased to make available to Oireachtas members.