Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2015
254. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a proper compensation scheme is needed for landowners who farm in line with restrictions due to Hen Harrier designation, if he will assess and implement such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43911/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have made possession of Hen Harrier land a Tier One Priority Environmental Asset under GLAS, guaranteeing that any farmer with an identified habitat will secure priority access to the scheme. The payment rate for Hen Harrier is €370 per hectare. This payment applies to all lands notified to my Department by the National Parks & Wildlife Service as Hen Harrier Lands, whether these are formally designated or otherwise identified as important for the preservation of the bird. Under the Birds Directive, Ireland is obliged to protect the Hen Harrier wherever it occurs and for this reason I was anxious to ensure that farmers could be properly supported for additional effort and income foregone, and that this would not be restricted to designated Natura sites. I have also provided that farmers with Hen Harrier habitat will automatically qualify for GLAS Plus, offering an increased payment of up to €7,000 per annum provided they manage sufficient area of habitat. For farmers who manage very large tracts of hen harrier habitat, I have already announced my intention to introduce a special scheme under the proposed new Locally Led measure of the Rural Development Programme. This will be drawn up and negotiated with the EU Commission in the first half of next year.
