Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 7 Dec 1993

Vol. 436 No. 7

Written Answers. - Giant Hogweed Control.

John Bruton

Ceist:

144 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Marine if he has received a proposal from the Minister for Health in regard to measures that might be taken for the monitoring and control of the spread of giant hogweed in view of the danger this plant poses to children; the proposals, if any, that have been made to him by the Minister for Health; the action, if any, he proposes to take on the matter; the likely timescale and cost of these actions; and if legislation will be required to implement the recommendations.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

I can confirm that the Department of the Marine received correspondence from the Department of Health in regard to proposals by that Department to monitor and control the spread of giant hogweed and seeking the co-operation of the Department of the Marine in so far as its area of responsibility was concerned, specifically in regard to the requests and advice to inland fisheries owners and fisheries boards to take action for elimination of the weed. A reply issued confirming that such co-operation would be forthcoming.

The Department of the Marine has no direct function in relation to this matter.