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

In terms of reassurance, it is important to note that significant conversations are taking place in regard to the next CAP strategic plan, looking at results-based payments for Natura 2000 sites, special protected areas, SPAs, and special areas of conservation, SACs. Those conversations are ongoing. It is fair to say that there has been a significant increase in investment in our national parks and nature reserves. We are employing additional park rangers and ecologists throughout the country. There is a significant challenge there, but that challenge is being met by Government acting to try to respond. I understand from the conversation I had on Tuesday last with the rangers on the ground that it is notoriously difficult to secure prosecutions and to catch people in these situations. Increased patrols, drones and other technologies to help in that regard are being deployed at all times, along with the additional work with the fire services.

I assure the Deputy that in regard to these incidents the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are working closely to try to tackle the root cause of these fires. The Deputy is correct in terms of the eligibility around farm payments. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has made clear that clearing lands of scrub will not be a conditionality of additional payments the following year. The Department is being clear in its messaging to landowners.

It is important as we enter into an opening up of the country in the coming months that everybody behaves responsibly around our uplands, nature reserves and national parks because they are a huge asset and have proven to be a huge asset to us over the past year in particular. I assure the Deputy that we will do all we can to try to eliminate this problem.

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