Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It is absolutely critical to have those boots on the ground. Mr. Ó Donnchú mentioned that 14% of land mass is designated in one shape or form. A total of 85% of our EU protected habitats are in unfavourable condition. The problem is particularly acute in our SACs. Will Mr. Doyle comment on the European Court of Justice case that is referred to here regarding the State’s failure to fulfil its obligations under the conservation of habitats and wild fauna? I assume that is the habitats directive, as we commonly refer to it. I want a sense of the potential liability. Are we are looking at substantial fines from the EU? If so, would we not be better advised to spend that money on bringing those protected habitats up to scratch? If we are looking down the barrel of fines, we are also looking at the nature restoration law that was debated in the Dáil yesterday. Article 4 in particular will be quite stringent in respect of our protected areas. Where are we in that case and what are the State’s liabilities looking like?