Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The detailed consideration of Ireland’s Draft Rural Development Programme (RDP) by the EU Commission is now at an advanced stage and the new Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) is a key component of our RDP. I hope to be in a position to open GLAS as soon as agreement is reached with the EU Commission in the near future. The GLAS will be the main source of support under my Department for farmers with Hen Harrier habitat on their holding. The proposed payment under GLAS for farmers who undertake the Hen Harrier action is €370 per hectare subject to a maximum payment of €7,000, if they qualify for GLAS Plus. This rate is based on the additional costs involved in protecting and enhancing the habitat, and the income foregone as a direct result of that. The actual designation of the land, however, is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.