Forestry Sector

Tuesday, 11 May 2021

Questions (966)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

966. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1116 of 28 April 2021, if his Department and the Forest Service were aware of the requirements before receiving the document from the NPWS in August 2012; if so, the reason the correct policies and procedures were not put in place to comply with EU law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23909/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Department was fully aware of its legal requirements in 2012. How these legal requirements have been met and the various procedures and practices carried out to comply with the various EU Directives have evolved over time, in line with a number of factors including changes that are necessary as a result of legal cases clarifying the case law and, in particular, with respect to the Habitats Directive.