Mr. Jason Fitzgerald:

As regards how the issue can be sorted out, if forestry is not part of it there must be a considerable payment or leverage to farmers for the difference between the value of designated and non-designated land of similar type and quality. I have outlined figures indicating a cost of less than €600,000 per year to compensate for the hurt which the committee has heard has been experienced around the country in regard to land values inside and outside designated areas. If the alternative measures are not put in place, a scheme must be put implemented to offer compensation of well in excess of €500 per hectare of designated land. However, if the alternatives are in place, most farmers would be quite happy with an index-linked scheme of €370 per hectare. We would welcome the initiatives by the Hen Harrier Project if they were to be implemented in conjunction with, rather than in substitution for, such a scheme.

It has been mentioned and highlighted by several members that money for all designated areas and not solely hen harrier designated areas should be ring-fenced in the next budget or CAP. This is not acceptable in Connemara, Donegal or anywhere else. We are here to tell our stories. Farmers in other designations have similar stories. A Common Agricultural Policy that is devised or divided in a fair way would start with those who are worst affected. I met a person from another farming organisation who has been to Europe on the issue of deposit payments for the dairy sector. He clearly outlined that farmers in such areas of vast farms with high production would be far happier and better off with a deposit or income volatility scheme whereby they could park certain amounts of money over time. The European Union has allowed them for €30,000 over three years and perhaps that should be extended. Such people may be not interested in schemes that are paid at a low level. Those issues should be considered.

The committee has heard a good outline of the story. I thank members for the opportunity to appear and for their questions. Four of the biggest parties in Dáil Éireann are represented on the committee today. I hope that, having listened to today's contributions, members will be able to come together and devise a conclusive solution such that farmers in designated areas can farm as equals.