John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1325: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food when permission will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who has, to date, been prohibited from planting on their land, pending a final decision by the Government and EU regarding designated areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1214/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Hen Harrier is a protected species and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government has identified a number of areas around the country which are important for its survival. The European Commission has expressed the gravest concern at any further planting within these areas until it is possible to fully assess the impact of forestry on the species.

In order to do that, it is necessary to work out what type of management regime needs to be put in place to accommodate both forestry and the hen harrier in the areas being proposed as Special Protection Areas.

The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government has established a working group, on which the forestry and farming interests are represented, as well as my Department, to help with the development of such a management regime. The applications on hand will be looked at again when an appropriate regime for the hen harrier has been agreed.

The application specifically referred to by the Deputy is included in the applications referred to above.