Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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36. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will review the designated special protected area for the hen harrier; her plans to further compensate farmers for the significant loss in value of farming land in such designated areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12815/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are designated in accordance with the provisions of the EU Birds Directive, which has been transposed into national law under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. Member States are obliged to provide protection for listed species in the Birds Directive through the designation and management of SPAs. I do not have any plans to review the SPAs in the near future.

Significant funding is provided through the Rural Development Programme (operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) to assist farmers in meeting the requirements of the Birds and Habitats Directives. Participation in the Basic Payment Scheme requires farmers to abide by the statutory requirements relating to Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation – collectively known as Natura 2000 sites. Agri-environment schemes, such as the new GLAS scheme, have provided and will continue to provide a range of supports, including payments for specific measures in Natura 2000 sites, to eligible and participating farmers. I understand that there is to be a dedicated measure in GLAS for farmers in targeted areas who abide by a specific measure for Hen Harrier.