Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 3

Written Answers - Wildlife and Environmental Protection.

Austin Deasy

Question:

26 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands her views on the advisability of a single Minister having sole responsibility for the protection of wildlife and the environment in general. [19428/98]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera):

The Deputy will be aware that, while I have primary responsibility for the protection of wildlife, other Ministers also have responsibilities in that regard. I am strongly of the view that the current allocation of ministerial responsibilities is working well to ensure the protection of wildlife and I can assure the Deputy that I receive the full co-operation and support of my ministerial colleagues whenever such is required.

Given the position that has developed in recent years where the relevant environmental policies at all levels — national, EU and international — require that all sectors take on board appropriate responsibilities for the protection of the environment, including wildlife, the Deputy will appreciate that all Ministers and State bodies carry such responsibilities to some degree. The development of this approach, which integrates environmental responsibilities across sectors, reflects a considerable advance from the situation pertaining previously. Any suggestion that this should be reversed by removing obligations to protect wildlife and the environment in general from other Ministers would fly in the face of current policy and would, in my view, be a retrograde step.