Vol. 511 No. 2
6 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the steps, if any, she will take to ensure the continued implementation of the habitats directive in view of the commitments in the review of An Action Programme for the Millennium; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23698/99]
The EU Habitats Directive was transposed into national legislation through the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997. These regulations provide powers to nominate, designate and protect special areas of conservation, SACs, which are required to be established under the habitats directive.
The review of An Action Plan for the Millennium commits the Government to implementing the habitats directive in a way that ensures environmental protection is achieved while taking account of landowners' rights. This will be achieved by preventing any activity that is likely to damage the environmental interest of SACs while ensuring that landowners receive full compensation for any income losses arising from the implementation of the directive.
Payments to farmers for implementing management prescriptions will either be through the rural environmental protection scheme, administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, or through a compensation scheme administered by my Department. Under REPS, a standard payment per hectare is available to farmers, while under my Department's scheme, actual income losses arising will be compensated for. Individual farmers may choose whichever scheme they prefer but, for land uses other than farming, landowners may only avail of my Department's scheme.
I thank the Minister for her reply. What financial resources exist to progress the implementation of the habitats directive? Is there a strategic approach to its implementation? Has the Government set a date for its full implementation? Since we last discussed the measure, have any measures been put in place to protect habi tats or has there been any progress in the protection of those where the otter and salmon are at risk?
Regarding the general question on the habitats directive, the REPS is the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. We have our own scheme and there is provision for financial payments under both schemes. The Deputy asked when the directive would be implemented. Negotiations are under way with the European Commission to gain approval for the compensation scheme. When this is complete, arrangements can be made for payment of compensation due. The issue of sites has arisen in the House before. I will outline the philosophy behind our policy on the implementation of the habitats directive. We want to see it fully implemented and the only way to do that is through co-operation. That is why we have proceeded in the manner we have.
I am interested in this subject because, when the Minister and Minister of State were in Opposition, they protested at the implementation of many of these directives on the basis that they were not transparent. Does the Minister agree that her lack of transparency will now put at risk the proposal for a golf course in Doonbeg in her constituency? Is she not ashamed at the way this project has been delayed?
The answer to both questions is no.
An nglacann an t-Aire go bhfuil an Coimisiún nua atá ceaptha san Eoraip i bhfad níos láidre agus nach bhfuil sé sásta na leithscéalta céanna a ghlacadh agus a ghlac an Coimisiún deiridh? An nglacann sí go bhfuil ráite ag DG XVI nach mbeidh airgead ón ciste stiúrtha ar fáil go dtí go bhfuil an plean maidir leis an habitats directive curtha i gcrích in Éirinn? An nglacann sí chomh maith go bhfuilimid taréis na treoirlínte agus na spriocdátaí a bhriseadh agus nach nglacfar le sin a thuilleadh?
I have said that we want to see the habitats directive fully implemented. It is important for conservation that we do so. We represent the Department responsible for our heritage and we want to see the directive implemented. That will be done through co-operation, and its implementation has been greatly progressed by the manner in which we have approached the general proposals, especially the setting up of liaison committees and appeals systems for farmers and land users.
Níl aon dáta.
