Vol. 566 No. 4
156 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has held discussions with farm organisations regarding the designation of farm land under conservation and heritage programmes; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns in the farming community in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8853/03]
Officials of my Department have had ongoing discussions with farm organisations since the statutory designation of lands and waters, including farm land, as special areas of conservation (SACs) commenced in 1997. The principal forum for these discussions has been a committee, known as the SAC monitoring committee, which comprises officials from my Department, the Department of Agriculture and Food and representatives of the major farming organisations. This committee has met frequently and has discussed all relevant issues and concerns relating to SACs and other areas designated for nature conservation purposes.
I am aware of continuing concerns within the farming community regarding designation procedures and compensation provisions for these areas. In the context of the social partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, the Government has recently agreed with the farming organisations to review the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997, under which SACs are designated. This review is to include issues of consultation with land owners and compensation for restrictions arising from the regulations. I anticipate discussions with the farming organisations on these issues at an early date.
