Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 October 2025
118. 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. [54972/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of the post-2027 Common Agriculture Policy or CAP and the new National and Regional Partnership Plans are matters of significant importance to my Department and for the Government as a whole.
I am working closely with my colleagues Ministers Heydon and Byrne to ensure that the LEADER programme forms part of a well funded package of supports for rural Ireland under the negotiations. I will also be liaising closely with my colleagues in the EU Commission and the EU Parliament as the process develops.
To facilitate the current negotiation process, the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine has established a CAP Consultative Committee, which includes representation from my Department. As part of this committee, my Department will continue to advocate for the LEADER programme to remain a core intervention of the new CAP and for the continued prioritisation of rural development measures.
Furthermore, my Department is inputting into the review of the draft regulations relating to the National and Regional Partnership Plans. While the draft regulations provide for the continuation of the LEADER Programme, ring-fenced EU funding remains a key area for negotiations.
I want to reiterate my commitment to this negotiation process and the wider Multiannual Financial Framework process, which impacts not only on the LEADER Programme, but also a number of other measures supported under my Department including the PEACE Programme and European Social Fund measures.
