Vol. 397 No. 1
53 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to have the matter of funding and the final contents of the annexes to the EC Habitat Directive ratified by the end of the Irish Presidency of the EC; and the steps, if any, he is taking to ensure the success of the directive for the duration of the Presidency.
81 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Finance the present position regarding the EC Habitat Directive; if he will outline his Department's attitude towards same; the financial implications, if any, of the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
82 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the position which Ireland has adopted in relation to the proposed EC Habitat Directive; the anticipated progress in relation to that directive; when it is likely to be adopted and made operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 81 and 82 together.
It is my intention to have the Habitat Directive and its annexes ratified during the Irish Presidency. It must, however, be agreed by the Commission and the member states.
Regarding funding, the Commission is examining a revision of the ACE Regulation (Action in the Community in relation to the Environment) with a view to providing funding for sites to be conserved under the directive.
Funding may also be available under Council Regulation No. 1760/87 which amended Regulation No. 797/85. The schemes envisaged under these regulations provide for the payment of a grant to farmers who farm their lands in an environmentally sensitive manner. It will be administered by the Department of Agriculture and Food.
