Vol. 566 No. 4
239 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the way in which the Government has given effect to the Biodiversity Convention; and if, for example, his attention has been drawn to the fact that Northern Ireland has put in place a species action plan which has led to coursing meetings being cancelled due to reduced Irish hare population. [13116/03]
The National Biodiversity Plan, which was published in April 2002, is designed to ensure Ireland fulfils its obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The plan contains actions across a range of sectors and themes including species conservation. There is a specific commitment to identify species of highest conservation concern and prepare species action plans for them. Discussions are taking place with the Environment and Heritage Service of Northern Ireland with a view to preparing all Ireland action plans for a number of species including the hare.
