Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the way savings will be made by his proposals to streamline the LEADER programmes under local authorities as part of the alignment process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14366/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The proposals set out in the Action Programme for Effective Local Government - Putting People First for enhanced alignment between local government and local development are focused on the breadth of local development activity. The proposals aim to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of services for citizens and communities, to avoid overlap between the various programmes and entities that operate locally, and to ensure more sustainable arrangements for the administration costs of such programmes and entities. More sustainable administration arrangements for the LEADER programme are important. As noted by the European Court of Auditors, it was necessary in previous funding rounds for the State to provide additional administration funding, over and above that provided in their contracts, to some companies delivering this programme. Accordingly, I am keen that all parties involved in the alignment between local government and local development will work together to examine the scope for administrative efficiencies and shared services. The focus for all our efforts in this regard should be on keeping an appropriate balance between funding for communities and necessary administration and structures.