Ms Oonagh Duggan:

There was one question on the NPWS. BirdWatch Ireland contributed to the review process and we look forward to its outcome. We want to see some additional examples of how this type of agency or entity has worked well in other countries. We are keeping an open mind on whether it should be an independent, stand-alone entity. There will always be a master Department in charge of an agency and there will always be connections with that Department. No entity is completely independent.

What is needed - we hope to see it in the review - are proposals for internal restructuring, building on the knowledge base of current staff and increasing staff. It would be great if we could see what additional funding will be provided. This has been the weak point for a long time. We have not seen the NPWS operating as it could operate for many years.

We will have to wait and see what the review looks like but we are hopeful that it will lead to a budget proposal. Everybody around this table will be looking at this. We need to see support for implementing the findings of the review when they come before the committee.