Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

Given that the last prosecution was in 1988, there is probably a need for a review, whether that is of the fines or of the context in which the legislation was framed. The threat to farm productivity condition should also be reviewed. Farming has changed significantly and farm tourism is now a large part of diversification. Will the Minister acknowledge that the giant hogweed appears in productive areas, whether it be in grassland or in areas close to watercourses? It spreads rampantly along watercourses. Will the Minister consider that in the context of the criterion of the weed being a threat to farm productivity? Just because it is not harmful to cattle does not mean it is not a threat to farm productivity. Perhaps he will review the legislation on that basis.

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