Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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264. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will expedite the clarification process for forestry planting on hen harrier land and eliminate any unnecessary restrictions to enable the affected farmers get approval for the locally led agri-environment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38739/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Afforestation licences and the terms, conditions and timing of the Locally-Led Agri Environment Scheme are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

An Inter-Departmental Steering Group was convened in July 2014 to assist in the development of a Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan. In this regard, the Group is examining all of the issues at hand, including forestry and financial supports for farmers, with a view to determining the appropriate course of further action. A Consultative Committee with representatives from all the relevant sectors was also set up, including agriculture and forestry.

This year my Department undertook a survey of Hen Harriers in Ireland. Such surveys are carried out every 5 years. It was agreed by all parties on the Consultative Committee that the results of the 2015 Hen Harrier survey should be incorporated into the Plan. The survey work has recently been concluded and the results are presently being compiled. The Steering Group and Consultative Committee will reconvene very soon to continue development towards the first draft of the Plan.