Leader programme rollout
Deputy Healy-Rae complained that rural Ireland had gone years without a Leader programme and asked why Government disliked Leader companies. The Taoiseach referred him to the Minister, who said the programme was operating, had funding, and that she would meet company leaders to address issues.
I want to know the basis for the previous and current Governments' dislike of Leader companies. Rural areas have not had a Leader programme since 2013. It takes 18 stages to get a programme going and it is clear we will not have one in place until 2018. Five years without a Leader programme is not good enough. Rural Ireland is being hurt again. I am glad the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Humphreys, is here as perhaps she will explain what is wrong and why the Government dislikes Leader companies and, likewise, people in rural Ireland.
Comment on this
The Minister is well able to answer the Deputy's question so I will ask her to do so.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. The Leader programme is up and running in all areas and €40 million has been allocated towards it in my budget this year. I have arranged a meeting for next week with the CEOs of all of the Leader companies as well as various local action groups and local community development committees. I will meet the CEOs in order that they can outline the issues, which I will then address.