Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is an important issue and the direction of travel in terms of what we want to achieve here is to improve the biodiversity and environmental assets we have in our countryside. That is very much the objective of the various schemes we have in place. Under the agri-climate rural environment scheme, ACRES, and, in particular, the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS, previously, we are seeing a significant amount of hedgerow being reinstated. Over many years, if not decades, we did not appreciate hedgerows as we do now. On the removal of hedgerows and work that is being undertaken, the Department is commencing a review of the regulations around what is permissible without first having sought approval. I hope to have a full assessment and the review completed over the next two to three months. There is no doubt that what we want to achieve is more hedgerows. That is very much the thrust of the vast majority of the farming community as well. We also want to see the quality of what we do have improved and also to have it managed every year in a way that is best suited to wildlife and birdlife. I am happy to engage further with the Cathaoirleach on this matter. I have asked my team to expedite the review of the current consent process.