Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I could not agree more. I would not suggest that the data centre is funded on an ad hocbasis because the work is contracted out. It is a separate piece of work and there is a commitment in the programme for Government to ensure support for biodiversity recording and the essential citizen science work the Deputy spoke about, which is so valuable on a community basis. I know it is work the Deputy is involved in. It is work I have done with regard to invasive species management and the recording of species. I see it as vital. This is why we have a strong commitment in the programme for Government for biodiversity and to work with NGOs such as BirdWatch Ireland and all of the various conservation groups to ensure we have a comprehensive set of data. If we do not have the data we cannot protect and conserve, so it is vital.

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