Mr. Jason Fitzgerald:

Farmers are aware that the designation will be extremely difficult to remove and possibly will not be removed. Farmers would be generally very happy to work on a scheme that would provide a habitat for the hen harrier. We also see as the way forward that farmers be incentivised to provide a habitat for the hen harrier. It is important that farmers are central in the drawing up of any scheme in these areas. It is not good enough that the three traditional farming organisations be central in the drawing up of a new scheme. Farmers in the designated areas are aware of the problems and pitfalls of previous schemes and they should be central in drawing up a new hen harrier scheme.