Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Question 182: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps that have been taken to revise the interpretation of the habitats directive with a view to reducing its bureaucratic application with particular reference to restrictions on such traditional practices as turf cutting for domestic purposes and similar interpretations that have no environmental or beneficial impact in view of the fact that traditional practices have been environmentally friendly and, in particular, keeping in mind that the doctrinaire interpretation of this regulation creates serious antipathy towards national and European institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10388/09]

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