asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has considered proposals from the Irish Wildbird Conservancy that a special grant should be provided for farmers who made hay, in order to halt the decline of the corncrake; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have seen the proposals from the Irish Wildbird Conservancy.

The matter of aid for the protection of a particular species of wildlife is primarily for the Office of Public Works which is the responsibility of the Minister for Finance.

In so far as my Department are concerned, however, I would refer the Deputy to paragraph 3.3.10 of the National Development Plan, 1989-1993 which sets out the Government's intention to encourage the introduction and maintenance of environmentally friendly farming practices in order to protect the ecology of sensitive areas and to maintain the landscape. In determining the measures to be taken to implement the Government's intention, my Department will bear in mind the need to protect certain wildlife species.

Will any specific measures be taken to protect this species in view of the fact that the decline in their population is directly attributable to modern farming methods, particularly the making of silage?

I do appreciate the impact that farming practices have had on this species. The implication of changed farming practices on any wildlife is a matter which is under constant consideration and, in relation to the corncrake species in question, can be considered also. We have to have regard to the limit there is on funding programmes and try to apply them to maximum priority. But I should like to think that, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, we can have special regard to this as well.

Could the Minister tell us the last time a corncrake was seen or heard?

The Deputy should inquire a little more.

Would the Minister agree that it would be more appropriate if funds were diverted to hay farmers rather than silage because the corncrake was thriving when hay was being made and was in abundance?

I agree.