I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 to 215, inclusive, together.
The Wild Bird Declaration will be reviewed and considered prior to the current Declaration expiring on 30 April 2022 and a decision will be made in due course. While there is no statutory obligation on my Department to carry out a public consultation for the Wild Bird Declaration, consultations were undertaken in the last two years, with very similar results. My Department intends to hold a similar consultation for the coming year, prior to a final decision on the matter.
My officials will make arrangements to contact the Deputy directly to furnish a copy of the notes of the meeting on 22 June 2021 with the organisation referred to.
As advised previously, the management and control of protected wild birds is carried out under the Wildlife Acts 1976 through the licencing system under Section 42 and Section 22(9)(d) of those Acts. In addition, the State-wide Wild Bird Declaration also allows for the control of certain protected wild birds by removal of the nest or eggs of those species in a particular area of North Dublin without going through the licence application process.