Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
586. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will ensure that the hen harrier compensation money that is being received in a person's current plan will continue to be matched in 2015, in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46072/13]
View answerSince the notification of six Hen Harrier Special Protection Areas in 2007, my Department, through the National Parks and Wildlife Service Farm Plan Scheme, has supported farmers to voluntarily undertake works to benefit the Hen Harrier. This Scheme has been integral to supporting Hen Harriers and the ecosystem that they are part of.
However, due to budgetary constraints, the Scheme was unable to accept any new entrants since 2010. The farm plans last for five years and any existing contracts are being honoured to their completion. The contract of the person referred to in the Deputy's Question is due to come to completion in 2015.
My Department is working with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with the aim of inclusion of measures in the next Rural Development Programme to support appropriate management of Natura 2000 areas.
