Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2017
606. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when annual derogation reports for the years post-2012 as required under article 9(3) of the birds directive will be submitted to the European Commission; and when the reports will be publically available. [46783/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra607. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason Ireland has not complied with its annual reporting requirements under the birds directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46784/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 606 and 607 together.
Ireland submitted its last annual report to the European Commission under the EU Birds Directive in 2014 and arrangements are underway to submit all outstanding reports which will be filed over the coming months.
608. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the derogations for public health and safety issues that have been granted under article 9 of the birds directive post-2012. [46785/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Birds Directive is implemented in Ireland under the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. Under the terms of the Directive, all Member States of the EU are bound to take measures to protect all wild birds and their habitats. Under Article 9(a) Member States may derogate in the interests of public health and safety; air safety; and to prevent serious damage to crops, livestock, forests, fisheries and water; and for the protection of flora and fauna.
In each of the years since 2012, declarations have been made under the European Communities (Wildlife Act, 1976) (Amendment) Regulations 1986, as amended, which allows the capturing, killing or removal of eggs/nests of listed bird species in certain situations. By way of example, the current declarations are available on the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department at https://www.npws.ie/legislation/irish-law/eu-birds-directive-derogations. I will furnish the Deputy with copies of all derogation orders made since 2012.
