Vol. 497 No. 3
32 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of major environmental non-governmental organisations, including Crann, in relation to the loss of hedgerow habitat in rural areas in recent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22392/98]
51 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the destruction caused to hedgerows under measure five of the REP scheme; if she will consult with the Department of Agriculture and Food to ensure that this measure is altered in order that wildlife habitats for flora and fauna are not destroyed or interfered with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23376/98]
Tógfaidh mé Ceist Uimh. 32 agus Uimh. 51 le chéile.
I refer the Deputies to my reply to Question No 355 of 10 Samhain 1998. I can assure the Deputies that I share the concerns expressed in regard to the issue of hedgerow conservation and, as stated by me on 10 Samhain last, I am presently considering the need for any further possible legal or other measures in the context of the forthcoming amendment of the Wildlife Act, 1976, and the development of a national biodiversity plan.
