Mr. Neil Foulkes:

To respond to Deputies Danny Healy-Rae and Michael Collins, we were very clear at the outset. If there is a need to cut roadside hedges or verges during the bird nesting season for genuine reasons of public health and safety we have no objection. It is the mechanism of protection and the way that mechanism works. We are totally in agreement with the principle.

To respond to Deputy Ó Cuiv, we welcome what Fianna Fáil did for this Bill during its passage through the Seanad. We have corresponded briefly on this and have different interpretations of section 8. Mr. Val Swan agrees with my interpretation, as someone who has been involved in the enforcement end of things. I welcome the Deputy's statement that this will be looked at and resolved on Committee Stage. Instead of "pursuant to section 70", I believe that if the words "pursuant to a notice served under section 70" were added we would all be in agreement. It is a very minor change but it would make all the difference from our perspective.