Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

No. The figures the witnesses gave us were very stark but there were uplifting tales of success. Can lost species be reintroduced? We saw what happened with eagles and the witnesses mentioned the corn bunting. Is it that we do not have enough resources to do both? One involves concentrating on those at risk, which is the red list mentioned by the witnesses. I do not know how many birds are on that list. On the other hand, do we have the wherewithal at this stage to reintroduce lost species? I agree with the witnesses regarding the need for swift bricks in all public buildings and all buildings of a certain size in this city.

I spoke to a bird watcher yesterday who was concerned about how low the insect level is to date this year. He noticed that it was lower this year than it was previously. I do not know whether the witnesses heard that elsewhere.

A question I have been asked, and which has come up with other people, relates to seagulls. Some people regards seagulls as pests. There are different species of seagulls. I do not know which is most common. Will the representatives dispel or confirm the myths about seagulls? Are they a danger to smaller species of birds? What impact do they have? What can we do to protect at-risk seabirds?

There were a few mentions of the need for additional funding. The committee's job is usually to put forward ideas but we also need to know how much different projects will cost. For example, increased funding for the National Parks and Wildlife Service was mentioned. Is this funding needed for a specific programme of public education or for the reintroduction of different species to different habitats and the protection of those that have been reintroduced?

Has BirdWatch Ireland been involved with Bord na Móna's future plans as the latter withdraws from peat extraction? It is supposed to be reinstating bogs it has eradicated. Has BirdWatch Ireland appealed to Bord na Móna to reintroduce the many different habitats that have disappeared from the countryside?