Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. There are noxious weeds everywhere, including in the Phoenix Park, which is infuriating. Does the Minister propose to amend the Noxious Weeds Act 1936 to provide for an updated and realistic penalty for breaches of the Act? Noxious weeds are toxic to cattle, horses, deer, pigs, goats and chickens, as they cause copper to accumulate in the liver resulting in ill-health and death. There are noxious weeds all along the motorways and, as I said, in the Phoenix Park. I regret to say the Minister's attempt to eliminate the problem through the advertising campaign is not working.

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