Written Answers. - Leader Programmes.
87 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if the national rural development programme will be implemented on 1 July 2000; when the Leader+ programme will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6354/00]
Comment on this
The deadline for the completion of the Leader II programme has been extended to 31 December 2000 where requested by individual groups.
The European Commission is finalising the draft guidelines on Leader+, consequent on the recent receipt of the observations of the European Parliament and their acceptance by the member states. It is expected that the Commission will publish the definitive guidelines text shortly.
Member states will take account of the guidelines when drawing up their Leader+ operational programmes for submission to the Commission with a view to commencement of the Leader+ programme as soon as possible. The Commission over a period of months will give detailed consideration to the programmes to ensure that they meet the necessary standard for approval.
Comment on this
88 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his attention has been drawn to concern at the delay in implementing the new Leader+ programme; if he will give assurance that persons employed under Leader II will be retained in employment until the new scheme is in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6355/00]
Comment on this
The deadline for the completion of the Leader II programme has been extended to 31 December 2000 where requested by individual groups.
With regard to Leader+ which will operate for the period 2000-06, the European Commission is finalising the draft guidelines consequent on the recent acceptance by the member states of the European Parliament amendments.
Based on these guidelines, member states will draw up operational programmes for Leader+ for forwarding to the Commission seeking approval with a view to commencement of the Leader+ programme as soon as possible. The Commission over a number of months, will subject these programmes to scrutiny to ensure that they meet the requisite standard for approval.