Vol. 466 No. 7
34 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht when he will introduce a Bill relating to the special areas of conservation in view of the fact that Ireland was to have enacted such national legislation prior to June 1994. [9498/96]
50 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht when the legislation in relation to specific areas of conservation to conform to the EU Habitats Directive will be presented to Dáil Éireann; the discussions, if any, he has had with farmers' organisations in respect of the implementation of this directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12156/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 50 together.
I intend to transpose Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora into Irish law by means of Regulations under the European Communities Act, 1972. The Regulations are at an advanced stage of preparation in my Department and I hope that they will be completed in early autumn. Officers of my Department have met with representatives of the main farming organisations and I have arranged to meet the IFA at their request tomorrow.
