Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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The population has declined rather than increased as a consequence of the work that has been done. Deputy Ó Cuív asked how long it would take to recover. Will the witnesses elaborate what they mean by a new scheme and how it would work? Would be consistent with what John Dore states in his report? If not, will the witnesses elaborate on it?

I have no doubt there is a genuine effort to find a resolution to this, particularly coming from those most affected by it, who are those represented by the witnesses. They have had meetings with Ministers in the past, which I believe were not very fruitful. Nothing was done to give any compensation.

I was present with Sean Kelly, MEP, in his area and it was striking that a particular area which has been designated has forestry on either side. An entire valley has been sterilised as a consequence. It has destroyed the area. The hen harrier area is on one side of a ditch in a particular townland but the area on the other side of the ditch is not a special protection area. It makes no sense whatsoever.

Has any suggestion of GLAS proposals been made with regard to finding a solution? This needs to be teased out. I do not believe it would in any way address the situation. I would like to hear the views of the witnesses on this. I thank Mr. Fitzgerald for his presentation.