Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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438. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when he expects his departmental review into the operation of the rural development programme to be concluded; and when he expects funds committed through the programme to be allowed to be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18680/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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My Department is currently conducting an evaluation exercise to determine the level of project commitments across all Local Development Companies (LDCs) and all measures under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme. This evaluation is almost complete and was required in order to re-balance the Programme in as equitable a way as possible. I expect that my Department will be in contact with all LDCs very shortly regarding allocations. It should be noted, however, that the LDCs have continued to issue payments on all existing contractual commitments.