Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 431: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of money owed to project promoters by Meitheal Forbatha na Gaeltacht, broken down by Gaeltacht area; the number of promoters in each Gaeltacht area that are owed money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16802/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta (MFG), the group contracted by my Department to deliver Axes 3 & 4 (LEADER) of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) in Gaeltacht Areas, went into liquidation on 7 September 2011. Progress, in the context of the legal "winding up" process, is ongoing and all relevant RDP (LEADER) project files have been released by the liquidator and are now in the possession of my Department.

The process of identifying those promoters whose projects are at an advanced stage of development and are most likely to be ready to make a claim for payment is underway and an interim system, in cooperation with Local Development Companies contiguous to Gaeltacht areas, is in place to facilitate payment of these projects in the short term.

It will not be possible to provide the information sought regarding the number of promoter owed money and the amounts owed until such time as the status of each project and claims has been established. When the information is available my Department will revert to the Deputy in writing.