Vol. 499 No. 4
74 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the steps, if any, she has taken to protect flora and fauna in areas under the remit of her Department in view of the very high level of rainfall and current fodder shortage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2822/99]
The level of rainfall must be regarded as a natural phenomenon, and, as such, is a contributory factor to the natural development of flora, to which my Department is committed. Special protection measures for flora are not deemed to be necessary and are not proposed. Similarly, I am not aware of any danger resulting from either the high level of rainfall or the fodder shortage to wild fauna in areas under the remit of my Department and no special arrangements are therefore proposed.
