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

Absolutely. As I said, my door has always been open to all organisations. We are in the depths of a biodiversity crisis and it is critically important that all stakeholders play a role. I fully recognise the important work the NARGC and its members do, particularly with regard to grey partridge and other species across the country.

On the four species, the scientific evidence is there on the red- and amber-listed species to warrant their removal. I will say no more on that, but we must act in respect of those. As Minister of State, I have taken action when evidence was presented to me. That is important.

Separately, I reiterate the point about the engagement, the stakeholder forum and the two separate stakeholder processes that are taking place. I encourage the NARGC and all organisations to engage now in the very important process I have initiated today, namely the review of our wildlife legislation. That is extremely important. It is available on the Department’s website today. We ask them to engage in that. There was a consultation with stakeholders in relation to the open season order.

My Department and I, for as long as I am Minister of State, will engage with relevant stakeholders. I see our hunting lobby and our environmental NGOs as all having an equal say in this because not many other stakeholders feel they have a view on wildlife and nature conservation in Ireland. It is very important that we keep those channels of communication open. Again, I reach out to say that to the NARGC today.

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