At the outset, I need to explain that while the new Hen Harrier Programme is fully financed through a combination of national and EU funds, it is nonetheless a locally-led, locally-designed and locally-administered scheme - it is not operated or managed directly by my Department.
However, I have made enquiries and while the person named was unsuccessful in gaining entry to the Hen Harrier Programme in the last round, recruitment into the scheme is an on-going process with Letters of Offer issued every month for each of the six SPA designated areas. The application of the person in question remains live and will be assessed by the local Project Team against the relevant selection criteria, and applications from other candidates, on a monthly basis.