Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is aware that BirdWatch Ireland, An Taisce and the Irish Wildlife Trust all raise real concerns that the provisions in the Minister's Bill will actually threaten the revival of the curlew and the survival of yellowhammers in Ireland. I put it to the Minister that these organisations are important voices in this matter because of their huge experience and their work in the area, and they should be listened to.

Last year the Department set up a special task force to look at the protection of the curlew. Where is that task force at? What is the Minister going to do and how will we do it? What is the Minister's plan so we do not lose the cry of the curlew? It is where we are going currently. There has been a 95% drop in curlew numbers in the past 40 years.

This is largely due to the loss of habitat, a situation that will be worsened by the provisions in the Minister's Bill. Will she not join with BirdWatch Ireland, An Taisce and others in this iconic and necessary challenge? What will she do to bring these birds back?

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