Trevor Sargent
Question:31 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands when she plans to consult with all stakeholders and establish a national biodiversity plan for Ireland. [20449/01]
Written Answers. - National Biodiversity Plan.
Trevor Sargent
Question:246 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will undertake to circulate the draft national biodiversity plan and to facilitate a proper round of consultation with stakeholders. [20537/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 246 together.
My Department is in the process of preparing a national biodiversity action plan that is now at an advanced stage. The preparation of the plan involved an extended formal public consultation process, to which many organisations and individuals responded. Also, officials of my Department met with key NGOs in January and explained in considerable detail the format and general approach of the draft plan. In addition, when the plan is published the NGOs will be invited to participate in the ongoing monitoring and review which is an integral part of the plan. I am anxious to have the plan published and adopted as policy at the earliest possible date and it is my intention to seek Government approval for its publication in the very near future.
Question No. 32 answered with Question No. 8.