Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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406. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider simplifying the application process for Leader funding in view of the fact it can be burdensome for small community groups which do not have access to professional advice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24559/17]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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With a budget of €250 million up to 2020, the Leader programme is a key part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and has the capacity to deliver significant outcomes for rural areas. I am committed to implementing the Leader 2014-2020 programme as efficiently and as effectively as possible. However, I am also aware that concerns have been expressed regarding some of the administrative processes related to the programme, and I want to see these issues resolved to the greatest extent possible. In this regard, last Wednesday, 17 May 2017, I hosted a forum with participants from all of the Local Action Groups and the Local Development Companies delivering Leader, to explore the issues of concern to them and to identify potential solutions to streamlining the current administrative and application procedures.

The forum, which was attended by more than 70 people, was very productive and participants identified a number of areas where they felt procedures could be streamlined and where the burden on project applicants could be reduced.

Following on from very constructive feedback at the forum, I gave a commitment to the Local Action Groups and the Local Development Companies present that I would implement a number of the suggestions put forward, while being mindful of the regulatory requirements associated with this EU co-financed programme.

My officials are currently reviewing and prioritising all of the contributions made at the forum and will introduce improvements to the Leader administrative procedures as soon as possible. I am confident that these improvements will assist in the delivery of the Leader programme to the benefit of rural communities throughout the country.