Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Again, I thank the Deputy for making sure we are discussing what is a really important issue. A lot of work is happening behind the scenes on such threats to our country. We have the advantage of being an island nation, which we need to use to full effect from a biosecurity perspective to keep ourselves safe. This is an advantage that other countries in continental Europe do not have. The Deputy has given me an opportunity to outline who is responsible and some of the safeguards that are in place but this is not an area we can be complacent about because the threats constantly evolve.

In terms of soil and other threats, I outlined earlier how the close supervision of points of entry for things like fodder, soil or other elements is key. As the Deputy outlined, we have seen the damage that other invasive species have done here. He mentioned Japanese knotweed and I am also thinking of the likes of ash dieback. There is a huge threat when we import foreign soil, trees and shrubs which is why we want to be as self sufficient as possible in that regard. Where there are entry points, we need to ensure that the appropriate safeguards are in place.

It should be noted that the drafting of legislation relating to invasive alien specie is at an advanced stage and we will see that progress later this year.

It is likely the national management plan will identify a significant funding gap in terms of resources currently allocated to invasive alien species in Ireland and what will be needed to meaningfully tackle the issue at national level.

With regard to specific species such as the red fire ant, it is important to monitor and keep up to date on reports of such species recorded on becoming established in other parts of Europe. The Deputy outlined examples that are not dealt with in my response. That is important but it is also important to consider these reports and updates in the proper context in order that appropriate action can be taken within the overall work being done on invasive alien species in this country. The red fire ant is, without doubt, a damaging and unwelcome species. Although its presence in Italy is undesirable, we are monitoring that on a risk-based assessment here. If the Covid-19 pandemic taught us anything, it is that we need to be prepared for all eventualities. We continue to work in that regard.

See this speech in context