Ms Sadhbh O'Neill:

I am not an environmental scientist or an ecological expert, but my understanding is that the studies the EPA has published on the health and extent of hedgerows involves the use of remote technologies, including LiDAR techniques, to measure things using satellite and other types of imagery, so there is no need to physically measure, kilometre by kilometre, the extent and health of the hedgerows. The use of those technologies is evolving all the time. There is a good evidence base and good scientific techniques to assess the health and extent of hedgerows. Local authorities conduct surveys annually, I think. There is insufficient evidence to make certain kinds of claims, but this does not mean there is not a detailed scientific understanding of and knowledge base concerning the importance of hedgerows.