AQW 46182/11-15

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 22/05/2015
Answered On Date: 09/06/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how rural groups and youth workers are being represented on the newly formed Local Action Groups.

Answer:

All Local Action Groups are self forming as per the European Regulation however their composition is required to be representative of the composition of the local rural area which they wish to represent and in particular be section 75 compliant. The Department has provided assistance through the NI Rural Network and the Rural Development Council to animate local communities towards formation of Local Action Groups for the incoming 2014/2020 NI Rural Development programme. As part of this process a sectoral event covering community organisations was held on 5th November 2014 and a specific event targeting youth was held on 16th December 2015.

Within the formation process LAG members agreed their own composition requirements (as required under the LEADER methodology) and Board Selection criteria. Each new LAG has filled its board appointments through robust and transparent selection processes which are in line with the ‘LEADER’ approach i.e. bottom up, local people making local decisions.