Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 February 2024
123. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of a campaign (details supplied) in light of stark hen harrier decline; if he will give a Government commitment to the protection of this bird of prey before it is too late; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8183/24]
View answerI am aware of the "Save the Skydancer" campaign.
Hen Harrier numbers have declined in recent years and while the reasons behind this decline are numerous and complex, I recognise that concerns exist in relation to agriculture and that there are also significant concerns in relation to forests and forest management.
To this end, my officials working on agriculture related matters and my forestry officials have been actively engaging with the Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan process since its outset, and are members of the Inter-Departmental Committee and the Consultative Committee, both chaired by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. There are a range of detailed forestry and agriculture related actions in the draft plan to support the conservation of the species.
I look forward to the finalisation of this Plan, which will point out a range of deliverable actions for the agriculture, renewable energy and forestry sectors in order to restore the Hen Harrier population.
The protection of the Hen harrier requires a whole of Government approach and I am committed to doing whatever I can to safeguard this species.
