I am glad to hear it – no doubt it brightened his day. Of the 18 red listed bird species, the first six have been prioritised for conservation action. In some cases, this conservation action has taken place over a number of years.
We all know about the very difficult situation there was in relation to the corncrake and the need for immediate preservation. Dúchas has provided major funding for the preservation of corncrakes and has established special areas of conservation, including areas such as the Shannon callows, to ensure they will be looked after. The decline in corncrakes is considered to be due primarily to, as the Deputy said, agricultural intensi fication. Schemes such as REPS and provisions to look after hedgerows are extremely important if we are to continue to look after our birdlife. That is why I made special provisions for hedgerows in the wildlife legislation we debated in the House last week.
In regard to the roseate tern, the Department, in partnership with BirdWatch Ireland, has been running a programme of research and conservation at these colonies for over ten years. This programme has been very successful, resulting in a threefold increase in the roseate tern population.
The hen harrier is another bird that needs conservation. My Department, along with BirdWatch Ireland and other groups, is completing a national breeding census of the hen harrier, which I am told is a scarce bird of prey. This will enable the identification of important core areas where conservation measures can be implemented.