Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2023
90. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that the views outlined at the seminar last February in relation to the Open Seasons Order, and at subsequent stakeholder engagement meetings will be taken into account in devising the best way to address the issues concerning any species deemed vulnerable and listed on the Open Seasons Order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31628/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to concerns at the national and EU level on the status of Birds Directive Annex II bird species, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) recently conducted a public consultation on the Open Seasons Order. The public consultation will inform any review of the Open Seasons Order and the bird species listed on it. Consideration will also be given to the actions needed to improve the management of the Open Seasons Order, with a view to ensuring that hunting of these species is on a sustainable footing. Following recently reported declines in populations at the EU level, an EU Taskforce on the Recovery of Bird Species has been established to consider actions to reverse the decline in bird species, and to review the sustainability of their hunting in the Member States. The NPWS are engaging with this forum.
Many stakeholders engaged with the public consultation, giving valuable insight and feedback, which will be taken into account in any review of the Open Seasons Order. Stakeholders will be invited to any further public meetings that may be held in relation to the Order, where their input will be very much welcomed. The results of the public consultation are currently being analysed and no decisions have been taken with regard to any potential changes in the Open Seasons Order.
