Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We have a fundamental difference of opinion on the ecology we want to protect and develop in our uplands and among our hedgerows. The Minister said she is introducing the legislation as an ecological measure but how we can improve ecology by extending the burning and hedge cutting seasons is beyond me. I cite Michael Viney as my first character witness as someone who has a deep knowledge, understanding and love of Irish nature and wildlife.

In his review of the Bill he says it is beyond belief anyone could argue that extending the burning and cutting periods could be seen as an ecological advance. With reference to the uplands, the Minister indicated in her response to Deputy Peadar Tóibín on the first amendment, to which we will have to come back on several occasions, that we were doing everything we could. Our own 2013 assessment of important habitats showed that only five across the country had received a favourable assessment, 29 were inadequate and 24 had received a downright bad assessment. All uplands habitats were in that state of acute ecological crisis. The Minister says the National Parks and Wildlife Service is supportive of these measures. If she is making the case that this is a scientific measure, since there are clearly different views on the science, instead of charging in with legislation, we should conduct research. We should set out our ecological objectives.