Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy McConalogue raised the issue of re-opening the GLAS scheme and I have dealt with his specific query.

Deputy Kenny raised the issue of fencing. In certain circumstances, there may be a requirement to get either planning or a certificate of exemption from the local authority. In particular, that proviso may apply where replacement of existing fencing is required but that is a matter for the local authority. Recently, my Department announced that fencing for sheep would be grant-aided under TAMS. Again, fencing is an issue for the local authority. I imagine, but I cannot be specific, that a letter of exemption from the local authority may be granted in cases where fencing is being replaced. Fencing virgin territory, which is land that has never been fenced, may run into issues of planning approval. I imagine that local authorities would adopt a pragmatic approach to the matter.

Deputy Cahill raised the issue of the hen harrier, which I have dealt with previously. As I said, we hope to submit a rural development amendment to the Commission by the end of this month. Our ambition is to have the scheme up and running by 2017. Through a combination of the new scheme and GLAS, we want something approaching equivalence to what existed previously for the landowners who face significant restrictions. The GLAS scheme provides payments for designated Natura 2000 lands and there is prioritised access to GLAS in respect of those lands.