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

I agree wholeheartedly with everything the Deputy said. We need farmers. We need landowners on our land in uplands. Conservation grazing works and it has an important role to play in nature restoration.

The Department is currently conducting a review of wildlife legislation. This is an extensive review on a multi-year project taking in every facet of our wildlife laws. It will examine closely the effectiveness of our legislation in protecting wildlife and regulating activities that adversely impact on wildlife and biodiversity. In particular, it will look at how we can improve the deterrent in respect of wildlife crime and the enforceability of our wildlife laws. I am keen that our laws offer the best protection possible for wildlife and biodiversity, are based on sound scientific and ecological advice, and strike a fair balance between economic social needs and the needs of wildlife. The burning season is one area that will be looked closely at as part of this review.

It should be remembered that what is being damaged through unsustainable land management practices is a precious national resource. The Department expends considerable resources in managing our national parks and heritage sites and in the protection and conservation of valuable landscapes, biodiversity, flora and fauna, and they are a valuable social resource. The Department will continue to work along closely with land users in upland and other areas to pursue effective management for nature. We are clear we need our landowners. We need our farmers to conserve and restore nature.

Deputy Ó Cathasaigh spoke about the Comeraghs - I recently saw effective upland vegetation management in the Slieve Blooms, creating mosaic habitats that can have a positive impact for nature and support farmers and landowners. These are the types of activities we want to pursue.

The Deputy mentioned farm incomes. Succession is a significant problem with farming as well. These are issues we can tackle with a fund in supporting landowners to do the right thing for nature.

I unequivocally condemn all of the indiscriminate fires that have been set around the country in recent weeks.

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