Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

339. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports he will provide to farmers whose lands have been sterilised because of the hen harrier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10550/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The designation of land under the Birds Directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. However, under the new GLAS Scheme which I announced on the 14^th of January 2014 as part of a suite of proposed measures under the new Rural Development Programme, a range of options will be available for farmers who wish to enhance the biodiversity value of their farms. This would include the development of appropriate habitats and conditions for endangered bird species.

I invited written submissions on the proposed Scheme as part of the ongoing consultative process which has been in place since December 2012. The final date for receipt for written submissions was the 19th February 2014. The submissions received are currently being assessed and will inform decisions on proposals for inclusion in the new Scheme.