162 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when applications will be accepted under the hen harrier compensation scheme; and if the criteria for qualification will remain the same. [25720/10]

My Department will continue to accept new applicants to the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) Farm Plan Scheme for designated areas and commonages subject to available funding. Applications to join the scheme will be screened on the basis of conservation priorities, biodiversity added value and the overall cost. The criteria for entry to the hen harrier element of the scheme will remain the same.

A draft version of the scoping form which will be used for the screening of applicants to the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme is currently available for public consultation. It is expected that this form will be finalised circa July 2010.