I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 388 and 394 of 29 June 2004.
Outstanding issues with regard to the Shannon callows are being addressed within the wider discussions under Sustaining Progress on the review of the 1997 Habitats Regulations. The most recent meeting between farming representatives and officials from my Department and from the Department of Agriculture and Food was held on 29 June. It was not possible at that meeting to reach final agreement on all outstanding issues including those relating to the Shannon callows. All parties to the discussions are agreed that they should now be brought to a conclusion and it is hoped to do this at a meeting arranged for 12 July.