140 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when approval will be given for the new national rural development programme in order to protect the existing structures, including staff, and to ensure a seamless transition from the present Leader II programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5947/00]

Following consultation with the member states late last year and consequent on receipt of the proposed amendments of the European Parliament and their acceptance by the member states, the European Commission is now in a position to finalise the draft guidelines on Leader+ for issue.

Based on these guidelines, member states will then draw up operational programmes for Leader+ for forwarding to the Commission for approval with a view to commencement of the Leader+ programme as soon as possible. The Commission over a period of some months will closely examine the programmes to ensure that they meet the requisite standard for approval.

141 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the scheme, if any, he will put in place which will ensure that there is a seamless transition from Leader II programme to the new national rural development programme; and the way in which he will ensure that no damage is done to the Leader structures already in place and the success which has been achieved to date with the maintenance of the highly experienced core of staff which they employ. [5948/00]

142 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when the details of the new national rural development programme will be agreed and implemented. [5949/00]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.

Following the recent receipt of the observations of the European Parliament and their acceptance by the member states, the European Commission is finalising the draft guidelines on Leader+ and it is expected that the approved guidelines will issue shortly.