Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 March 2015
172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the degree to which various aspects of the habitats directive will be re-examined with a view to ensuring that it is not unfairly and unnecessarily impacting on landowners who depend on agriculture for their living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10723/15]
View answerI am advised that it is not within the competence of Member States to re-examine legislation enacted by the EU. However, the European Commission has recently commenced a “Fitness Check” of the EU Habitats and Birds Directives. It is my understanding that the Commission will launch a 12-week public internet consultation in April to assist in its examination of the Directives.
