Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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216. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the administrative process after Leader funding is sanctioned; the evaluating stakeholders for same; the rationale for the stakeholders in the drawing down of moneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25942/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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LEADER is a multi-annual programme for the period 2014-2020 which has a total budget of €250 million over the programming period. LEADER is administered by Local Action Groups (LAGs) which deliver funding in accordance with Local Development Strategies (LDS) that have been agreed for each LAG area. The LDS is developed and driven by rural communities, through the Local Action Groups (LAGs), setting out the vision and objectives for the area. Funding is allocated to each LAG for the full duration of the Programme to give greater flexibility to the LAGs to manage their resources.

Each LAG is responsible for deciding how its allocation is distributed to LEADER projects over the duration of the programme, based on the objectives in their approved LDS. Projects are reviewed in accordance with agreed criteria by an Evaluation Committee established by the LAG before being submitted to the Local Action Group members for final decision. Each LAG is representative of its local area and any decision to approve a project must be taken with a majority of non-public sector representatives present.

No works can commence on a project until formal approval has issued. The process of implementing the approved works is a matter for the project promoter in consultation with the LAG and/or the LAG's Implementing Partner.

Payment claims are submitted to my Department by the LAGs when projects are up and running and have incurred expenditure. The approved works must be completed by the project promoter prior to any final or phased payments being made.

Certain checks require to be carried out by the LAGs prior to the payment claims being submitted to my Department. A number of mandatory regulatory administrative checks must be also be conducted by, or on behalf of, my Department before payment is issued to the LAG in respect of a project. These mandatory administrative checks are currently undertaken by Pobal.