222 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the hen harrier compensation scheme will re-open to new applicants and in the absence of the scheme re-opening, if the applicant can revert to claim forestry premium on eight acres, which was due to be planted but was not subsequently planted, due to restrictions placed on same due to the presence of the hen harrier [36632/10]

My Department's Farm Plan Scheme is currently closed to new applicants. Further access to the scheme will be subject to the availability of funding during 2011 and beyond. Any decision to invite new applications will be publicly announced. In such an event, applications to join the scheme will be assessed on the basis of conservation priorities, biodiversity added value and overall cost. Farmers should contact the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in relation to matters concerning the forestry premium.