Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2014
687. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a group (details supplied) in County Cork will be included in the consultative committee to help address the problem of farmers being at a loss because of lands being sterilised because of the hen harrier; if she will review all avenues to resolve this hugely damaging restriction for landowners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48172/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met with representatives of the group referred to in the Deputy's Question last week and I am considering their request for inclusion within the consultative committee. With regard to the issue generally, an Inter-Departmental Steering Group has been established to draw up a Threat Response Plan for the Hen Harrier and is examining all of the issues at hand, including forestry consents, planning permissions for wind farms, and financial supports for farmers, with a view to determining the appropriate course of further action. The Steering Group is continuing its work and is due to meet again this week.
