Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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32. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has put in place a scheme of compensation for farmers whose lands have been designated as hen harrier special protection areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32061/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Special Protection Areas 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. 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. It is wise in my view that this Programme, which is co-funded with the EU, is used for such purposes. Farmers in Hen Harrier Special Protection Areas are given priority access to the GLAS scheme and can receive the higher GLAS + payment if they have sufficient eligible lands.

It should also be noted that participation in the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) requires farmers to abide by the statutory requirements relating to Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation – collectively known as Natura 2000 sites.