20. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will report on his engagements regarding the LEADER programme under the next EU budgetary cycle. [53300/26]

The LEADER Programme is funded as an intervention under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, or CAP. Therefore, the development of the EU regulations relating to the post 2027 CAP and the new National and Regional Partnership Plan is of significant importance to my department.

The continuation of the LEADER programme within the draft regulations is welcomed.  However, I acknowledge that the proposed changes to the funding structures of the CAP is leading to uncertainty.

Together with my colleague Minister Byrne, I held a meeting with LEADER stakeholders in recent weeks to ensure we are fully aware of the concerns on the ground.  This engagement is in addition to the on-going involvement by my department  in the CAP Consultative Committee which facilitates discussions with stakeholders regarding the post-2027 period.

As part of the on-going negotiation process, my department has consistently emphasised the importance of a ringfenced allocation for LEADER, to ensure the post-2027 programme can continue its vital role. I have raised this with my colleagues across government departments and at an EU level.

That said, many details remain to be finalised as part of the ongoing negotiation process and detailed discussions will continue through Ireland’s term holding Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

As part of the Irish Presidency, my department is also involved in co-organising a High-level Rural Policy Forum, which will take place in Ireland in November and which will provide an opportunity to highlight the value of the LEADER programme across Europe.

I can assure the Deputy that my department will continue to engage directly both domestically and at EU level to ensure that the LEADER programme is prioritised into the future.