I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 to 54, inclusive, together.
The current Wild Bird Declarations (General & Air Safety) that were signed in April 2021, allowing for the control of certain wild bird species, are due to expire on 31st July 2022. A decision on new Declarations covering the period 1st August 2022 to 30 April 2023 will be made prior to the expiry of the current Declarations.
The First Interim Report on progress of the Urban Gull Consultative Committee was received by my predecessor, Minister Josepha Madigan, in April 2020. This was circulated to all the Consultative Committee members which included officials from Fingal County Council as well as a Community Committee. The Report is available to download at the following link: www.npws.ie/legislation/eu-directives/birds-directive/review-use-article-9-1-a-birds-directive-ireland
My officials have engaged with the EU Commission in respect of urban gulls. The Commission advises that this issue was not of particular concern to Member States or requiring a special discussion in the Ornis Committee that assists the Commission in the implementation of the Birds Directive nor in the NADEG Committee (Expert Group on Birds and Habitats Directive).
My officials have engaged with Fingal County Council in relation to implementing agreed next steps on the development and implementation of actions, where appropriate e.g. a public relations campaign.
A total of €92,557.50 including VAT was paid to a consultancy firm for the Urban Gull Survey in 2021.