Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 209: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the support he will give to an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21158/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The remit of my Department in the area of rural development relates to the implementation of EU common rural development policy through our Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP) which is co funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Rural development policy acknowledges that many rural areas face significant challenges and the aim of the RDP is to improve the economic well being and quality of life in rural areas by addressing three main priorities related to the competitiveness of agriculture, the environment and the countryside and the overall quality of life and economic activity in rural areas.

The overall value of the RDP is approx. €5bn over a seven year period and it includes such schemes as the farm investment schemes, the Less Favoured Areas (LFAs) Scheme, the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) and the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS).

The wider rural economy measures under the RDP support improvements to the quality of life in rural areas and the diversification and development of the rural economy. This aspect of the programme is delivered through the Leader approach and recognises the importance for rural areas of support for new business creation, tourism and recreation facilities. My colleague the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government delivers this part of the Programme through a network of 36 LEADER / Local Action Groups. I would be happy to engage with the new coalition when it has been launched.