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

I thank Mr. Fitzgerald. We have given the issue a good hearing and I thank him for being here. The solution to the issue probably lies with Europe rather than in this jurisdiction. The next round of CAP could play a very important role in that regard. There is currently much talk of CAP and the consultation in that regard. Mr. Fitzgerald's contribution today will be very important from the point of view of the committee feeding into that process in the future.

We will hear more from officials regarding the recently announced hen harrier programme and we need more detail on its workings. As Mr. Fitzgerald stated, the designation issue and compensation therefor is not confined to hen harrier designated areas but, rather, concerns designated lands across the country, which is a huge issue in terms of CAP in the future.

The legal case that may be pursued was raised by several members. I am not a legal person but Deputy Penrose is and he seemed fairly certain in the points he made in that regard but it is an issue that should be considered into the future, although there are cost implications.

That is a decision for the Irish Farmers with Designated Land, IFDL. I thank the witnesses for appearing before the committee.

I welcome Mr. Colm Hayes, assistant secretary general, and Mr. Ronan O'Flaherty, principal officer, of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Mr. Fergal Monaghan of the Hen Harrier Project. I thank them for coming to brief the committee on the recently announced hen harrier programme.

Before we begin, I bring to the witnesses' attention that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Mr. Hayes to make his opening statement. I apologise for keeping him waiting.