Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Whoever wrote that response does not understand what is going on around Ireland. When land is designated, people almost have to emigrate from the area because they cannot make a drain or plant the land if they are going to abide by these so-called laws. People are being forced out. In Ireland, if something is seen on someone's land, what was seen or the person who owns the land will survive before the designation but both will not survive after it. The rural development plan is available to people in counties Meath, Kildare or Cork with no land designated. It is disingenuous to mislead people. They will get the same rate if they are considered under different criteria, which people can choose to do. Let us not mislead people. The Minister said there are 42 plans involving the hen harrier. Is there a scheme?

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