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Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2019

Tuesday, 16 April 2019

Questions (577, 578, 579, 580, 582)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

577. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the details of the matter to which the European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Mr. Vella, is referring in correspondence (details supplied); the reason Ireland has not provided such quantitative information; and if information on the matter pertinent to the description by the Commissioner as ongoing discussions with the Irish authorities will be provided. [17243/19]

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Louise O'Reilly

Question:

578. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if and when Ireland will provide the quantitative information referred to by the European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Mr. Vella, in correspondence (details supplied); the implications for Ireland and for persons particularly though not exclusively in relation to Article 9(1)(a) of the EU birds directive; if there are implications for Ireland and persons that arise due to the fact that the quantitative information has not been provided; and the action she is required to take to address such implications. [17244/19]

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Louise O'Reilly

Question:

579. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if policy on high-density urban seagull colonies with effect from the derogation declaration for 2019 and 2020 due to be published by 1 May 2019 and for future years will attribute primacy to availing of Article 9.1(a) in the interests of public health and safety in respect of urban seagull issues in view of correspondence from EU Commissioner Vella (details supplied). [17245/19]

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Louise O'Reilly

Question:

580. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on whether a statement (details supplied) means that EU member states are solely and fully responsible for the application of derogations and all pertinent policy and decisions in their respective countries and by implication the role of the Commission to monitor national derogation reports and manage and ensure compliance with the directive. [17246/19]

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Louise O'Reilly

Question:

582. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a statement was issued in July 2016 in response to a freedom of information request in which her predecessor acknowledged that her attention had been drawn to the fact that closure of landfill meant that seagull flocks were moving into towns and cities to seek food; and if this is still her view. [17248/19]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 577 to 580, inclusive, and 582 together.

Firstly, I should point out that all bird species are protected under national and EU legislation. In relation to the impact of seagulls, it has been estimated that the population of herring gulls, the main seagull species, has declined significantly in Ireland over the past 40 years or so, probably due to the improvements in managing landfill sites as well as other factors.

I am aware that my predecessor did respond to Parliamentary Questions in June and July 2016 in relation to the status and impact of gull species.

All EU Member States are obliged under Article 9 of the Birds Directive to report annually to the EU Commission on the issuing of derogations on all bird species. The Commission recently raised with my Department a number of issues relating to the 2015 and 2016 annual reports including matters relating to quantitative information provided. My Department will be working with the Commission in order to ensure that future reports are submitted with the necessary information.    

The EU Birds Directive allows Member States to make derogations from its protective measures in respect of certain wild bird species in certain circumstances - for example, where they are causing damage to crops, livestock and fauna or represent a threat to public health or safety or to air safety. The Declarations to implement these derogations are renewed annually.   The 2018/19 Declarations expire on 30 April and I want to assure the Deputy that there will not be a delay in this process in the context of a 2019/20 Declaration.

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