Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This section lists the domestic primary wildlife legislation which is referred to in the Bill. Accordingly, as the birds directive has been incorporated into wildlife legislation, I cannot accept the amendment.

The birds directive specifically aims to protect all of the 500 wild bird species naturally occurring in the European Union. Concerned with their decline, member states unanimously adopted the directive back in 1979. Habitat loss and degradation are the most serious threats to the conservation of wild birds. The directive, therefore, places great emphasis on the protection of habitats for endangered and migratory species. It establishes a network of special protection areas, including all the most suitable territories for these species. Under the birds directive, every member state must report on progress to the European Commission. Our last report to the commission for the period 2008 to 2012 was submitted in 2013.

The habitats directive was adopted in 1992 to ensure the conservation of a wide range of rare, threatened or endemic animal and plant species. There are about 1,000 animal and plant species which are protected under the directive. As a member state, we are obliged to encompass these directives as EU law supersedes any domestic legislation. Accordingly, it has to be taken into account in any legislation. I cannot, therefore, accept the Deputy's amendment as it is in existence.