Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thought I had raised my hand remotely several times but it disappeared and I ended up at the back of the queue each time.

This has been a very interesting meeting. We heard about the custodian approach and were given the wisdom of the ages. I have a question for Mr. Purser. We have to get buy-in. We must have the necessary humility in our actions and attitude towards forests, biodiversity and climate change. The forest resonates in our psyche as humans as a place of shelter, almost of magic, and Mr. Purser spoke of a magic wand. How do we best communicate the idea that we are no longer masters of the universe and we have to become servants of nature?

Mr. Purser also mentioned deer. Is he proposing a cull of non-native deer on the basis of their interference with native woodland? I heard that native woodland was not as badly devastated as other woodland as a result of the fire that broke out in Killarney National Park. Can Mr. Purser confirm that?

I have a brief question for either of the witnesses from BirdWatch Ireland. Their presentation was magnificent and powerful. We heard during the week about the return of the crane to Ireland after 300 years. I do not think people know that 63% of birds are at risk. Our left hand is destroying what our right hand is doing. To imagine a spring without birdsong would be horrendous. We have to get that message out. I would welcome comments on that.