Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to follow up briefly based on the concluding points from Mr. Monaghan. I have looked at the presentation and done some sums. The worked example suggests that a farmer with in the region of 15 ha could get a maximum of up to €4,000 and that a farmer with 40 ha could get a maximum of €7,000. If we do some basic sums, we get an average payment of €5,500. Let us suppose we had 100% take-up from 4,000 farmers, each of whom scored 100% on the assessment. Then the total would come to €22 million. I reckon we are looking at a probable shortfall. Is there a contingency plan? Where will the surplus money go? The scheme cannot reach €25 million with 100% of 100% of 100% in all criteria.

The money is now allocated for the hen harrier scheme. I cannot envisage the cost reaching €25 million when the scheme is completed and when Mr. Monaghan is happy it is successful. Where will the balance go? How will it benefit the hen harrier?