Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Nov 1999

Vol. 509 No. 6

Written Answers. - Agriculture and National Heritage.

Enda Kenny

Question:

495 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the policy paper on agriculture and the national heritage by the Heritage Council; if she will implement a programme of non-planting on sites of high nature conservation in respect of the recommendation on afforestation and premium schemes; if she will set in place a payment scheme for the management of these sites by farmer owners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21479/99]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I am aware of the policy paper entitled Agriculture and the National Heritage, which was published by the Heritage Council in March of this year.

In line with Ireland's obligations under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, my Department is preparing a national biodiversity plan, in the context of which account is being taken of the policy paper in question. Extensive discussions and consultations are taking place with relevant Departments and agencies, including the Heritage Council, as part of the process of preparing the national biodiversity plan.

In addition, a national plan is in the course of preparation in my Department and the Heritage Council paper on Agriculture and the National Heritage will be taken account of, as appropriate, in that context also. Consultations with other relevant Departments and agencies will be an integral part of the process. I should also mention that the membership of the steering group for the national heritage plan includes a nominee of the Heritage Council.

Finally, may I say that while the Heritage Council paper on Agriculture and the National Heritage is being considered as part of the wider processes which are under way in relation to the proposed national biodiversity plan and national heritage plan, the Deputy will appreciate that many of the recommendations contained in the paper would be matters for consideration by my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, in the first instance.