Vol. 455 No. 5
25 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the way in which the Natural Heritage areas will be designated; and the way in which they will be given legal protection and appropriate funding for their conservation. [12184/95]
71 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the timescale for the long-awaited and promised updating of the Wildlife Act, 1976; and the steps, if any, he has taken to implement the EU habitats directive. [10832/95]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 25 agus Uimh 71 le chéile.
Preparatory work to amend the Wildlife Act, 1976, is at an advanced stage in my Department. I hope to submit proposals to Government shortly and to publish an amending Bill later this year. Provision will be made in the Bill for statutory protection for natural heritage areas. Funding for nature conservation purposes is included in the financial allocation to the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Regulations under the European Communities Act, 1972, are at present being prepared in my Department to transpose the EU Habitats Directive into Irish law. I hope to be in a position to make the regulations in the autumn.
