Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Although I do not have a particular issue with the hen harrier in my part of the country, I welcome the delegation today and concur with what everyone else has said. Unlike many groups, the IFDL has come up with potential solutions, which is a good way to go. The way the witnesses have gone about their business is very important. They mentioned the forestry issue in their submission. We received an e-mail recently from BirdWatch Ireland which is very negative about going down the forestry route again. It says it is not the way to go. Do the witnesses have any views on that matter for someone who is not au fait with the situation? It is essential that if there is an injustice in the system, there has to be compensation. That goes without saying. Having land that is valueless for any purpose at the moment is totally unjust. Like Deputy Penrose, I am not a fan of wind turbines. A situation has to be created whereby people can make use of their land and get some value out of it or, as the witnesses said, to sell or exchange it to help a family member get a site or set up in business. The idea of tax credits is a valuable and worthwhile proposition. I compliment the witnesses on their proposals. It is to be hoped this committee can play a part in resolving the issues.