To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development whether monitoring committees, with associated working groups, have been agreed to oversee the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

A Monitoring Committee, with wide-ranging membership, was established to oversee the 2007-13 Rural Development Programme. Its membership and terms of reference have recently been refreshed, and it will take on oversight of the 2014-2020 Programme when this has been approved by the European Commission. As the new Programme progresses, DARD may appoint sub groups to the Monitoring Committee which will focus on particular thematic areas relevant to the Rural Development Programme. Sub groups may allow for the participation of additional stakeholders external to the Monitoring Committee.