Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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694. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of local action groups that have been asked to pay back moneys or the number of projects that were approved funding under the Leader programme but did not carry out the works as approved and funding had to be recouped in previous Leader programmes; the amount refunded; the action his Department is taking in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37036/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My Department does not hold data in respect of ineligible expenditure incurred under LEADER prior to the 2007-2013 Programme.

Under the 2007-2013 LEADER programme, a total of 36 Local Action Groups (LAGs) were requested to reimburse monies under the programme where administration costs claimed were deemed to be ineligible.

139 projects in receipt of funding under that programme did not carry out all of the works as approved, or in accordance with the operating rules governing the programme.

The total amount refunded in respect of ineligible expenditure on projects and LAG administration since the commencement of the 2007-2013 Programme is €731,736. The total amount of debt still outstanding, not including interest, is €3,087,305. Almost all of the outstanding debt relates to project expenditure.

Under the 2014-2020 LEADER Programme, a total of 6 LAGs have been requested to reimburse funding where administration costs claimed under the programme were deemed to be ineligible. The amount associated with the debt incurred by these 6 LAGs is €1,078 and is in the process of being recouped.

No project expenditure has yet been deemed ineligible under the 2014-2020 LEADER Programme.

Where ineligible administration or project expenditure is identified by my Department, the relevant beneficiaries are, where possible, afforded an opportunity to rectify the issue identified. The findings can also be appealed through a specific LEADER Appeals process.

My Department maintains a robust system of monitoring debts incurred and engages on an ongoing basis with Local Action Groups and project promoters in an effort to recover monies owed. In addition, my Department notifies the European Commission on an annual basis of debts incurred and reimbursements received.