Mr. Lorcan O'Shea:

I think that point was also raised by Deputy Eamon Ó Cuív. Under the rural development regulation, one can have a Natura 2000 or an agri-environment measure. One can have both, but we have traditionally operated it as one scheme because there is one farm and it is more practical to operate it under the umbrella of the agri-environment measure. Many member states do this. Under the regulation, SACs and SPAs, under the birds and habitats directives, and areas where a management plan is in place under the water framework directives are the only areas that qualify as Natura 2000 sites. An NHA carries a national designation and is not recognised under the regulation.