Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will get the ball rolling. I might come in for a second round because as members ask questions, we might tease out more what this means and the consequences.

I welcome strengthened directives and legislation around environmental crime and crimes against biodiversity causing habitat loss. Currently it is fair to say that in Ireland we have a weak position and we do not have a very good track record of implementing sanctions against environmental crime or biodiversity loss. Any opportunity we have to strengthen that position is very much welcome.

The witness mentioned extra measures but I did not hear any extra measures around biodiversity and habitat loss. To what degree is that already contained within the original legislation? Is it envisaged that will be enhanced under this new directive? As I said, I welcome greater sanctions but the key question is whether we have the resources in Ireland to stop crimes against wildlife and the environment? Can we catch those perpetrators or do the witnesses feel this is something that must be much more heavily resourced?