Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 347: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funds spent under the last Leader programme on self catering tourist accommodation; the estimated expenditure under the present programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21502/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Based on returns from the Local Action Groups involved in the delivery of the 2000-06 Leader Programmes, the amount of expenditure on self-catering accommodation was €5,661,125.40. The following table shows details of expenditure by LEADER Group area.

The new Rural Development Programme for Ireland for the period 2007-13 was approved by the European Commission on July 24th last. Under Axis 3 of the new Programme, €45.4m is being provided for the encouragement of tourism activities in rural areas. The objective of this measure is to maximise the sustainable, regionally balanced, tourism potential of all rural areas through provision of necessary infrastructure and development of the countryside as a recreational resource for all. This will include funding for the provision of self-catering accommodation where demand arises for such support.

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 348: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be offered a place on the rural social scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the person has been on the waiting list for this scheme for a considerable period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21633/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Currently, all of the 2,600 places available on the Rural Social Scheme have been taken up. In the circumstances, Implementing Bodies have been encouraged to form waiting lists of suitable eligible applicants in their areas, which can then be used to fill vacancies as and when they arise.

I understand that the person referred to by the Deputy is currently 4th on Galway Rural Development Company's waiting list. I also understand that the person was offered a position some time ago but did not accept it as the location was not suitable. I would suggest that the person liaise directly with GRDC, as they will be able to keep him informed of ongoing developments.

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 349: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be offered a place on the rural social scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the person has been waiting for such a place for a considerable period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21634/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the person referred to by the Deputy had expressed an interest in joining the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) on 14th June 2007. At that time, Galway Rural Development Company (GRDC) outlined the eligibility conditions for the Scheme, including the qualifying payments from the Department of Social and Family Affairs (D/SFA).

Because of his particular circumstances, the person concerned was advised to apply for the Farm Assist payment from the D/SFA in order to determine his eligibility for the Scheme. However, he did not wish to pursue an application for this payment.

I now understand that the person is due to take up a place on a Community Employment Scheme with effect from Monday next, 8th October 2007 and he has been advised to contact GRDC if he is interested in joining the RSS in the future.