Vol. 499 No. 4
80 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the position in relation to special areas of conservation; the number of sites initially proposed to the European Commission; the present number submitted; the number proposed to be submitted; the discussions that have taken place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2811/99]
I refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions No. 33 of 7 May 1998 and Question No. 19 of 15 October 1998. The position remains as outlined in those replies.
I and my officials have had discussions with the various representative bodies of the landowners and property rights owners whose lands are included in the sites and with the non-governmental conservation organisations. Discussions have also been held with the European Commission, various Government Departments and local authorities. These discussions provided an opportunity to give all concerned details relating to the sites and their responsibilities in respect of these, and with information on the compensation package being provided.
