Wildlife Regulations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2015

Tuesday, 10 November 2015

Questions (604)

Denis Naughten

Question:

604. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht as the Minister for the Department with overall responsibility for the entry into the State of invasive species and the control of such species once found here, other than those covered under the Wildlife Acts and Statutory Instrument No. 477 of 2011 on the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, her views on whether such issues should be a matter for the North-South Ministerial Council, to ensure uniformity across the island of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39304/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Firstly, I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions No. 1197 and 1209 of 3 November last. I take it that this question refers to species not currently listed in relevant schedules of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations, Statutory Instrument Number 477 of 2011; and wish to advise that, while I have no plans at this time to extend the list of species covered by these Regulations, species may be added, provided there is sufficient evidence to justify their inclusion.