asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, in view of the success of the environmentally sensitive areas scheme in Britain and on the Continent, if he intends to introduce a scheme or to pay grants as an incentive to Irish farmers in order that they leave land in its natural state.
Written Answers. - Environmentally Sensitive Areas.
80.
The Government's policy in relation to agriculture and the environment is set out in paragraph 3.3.10 of the National Development Plan 1989-93.
The designation of environmentally sensitive areas is one of the methods being considered for the implementation of this policy. The EC Council of Ministers is at present reviewing the terms — including the financial provisions — of the Community Regulations which deal with this question. Until this review has been completed it would be premature for me to come to a decision on the matter.