Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

——consider issues from their own perspective. Some challenges remain for us all.

In addition to its historic interest, the island is also known for its many plants, and herbs which, as the Senator said, were thought to be useful to the monks because of their medicinal properties. There is a suite of old botanical records associated with the monastic settlement, the earliest of which dates from 1756. There are also old records of very large yew, ash and holly trees that may merit further study. A group from the Botanical Society of the British Isles visited the island in 2005 to record the species of plants found there. However, there remains a need to conduct a more comprehensive survey of the flora, vegetation and habitats in the area.

The Department is working with the trustees of Muckross House on an interesting joint research project at Innisfallen Island which will include, among other things, a botanical survey. A committee has been established which is being chaired by the national parks and wildlife service and which includes members of the trustees of Muckross House and other experts with relevant knowledge and experience. Following an open tender process, a contract will shortly be awarded to the most suitable candidate to carry out a comprehensive botanical survey of the island with a view to obtaining the fullest information on the ancient monastic settlement and the lives of the monks, particularly in regard to their cultivation of the island gardens and the rare herbs, mosses and orchids that occur there. This survey to due to begin shortly and the Minister looks forward to its expected completion by October this year. Given his long interest and involvement with the trustees, I am aware the Senator awaits the outcome of that survey with great interest. That should be completed by October. I thank Senator Coghlan for raising this issue on the Adjournment. From his involvement with the trustees, it is obvious that this area is of deep concern to him.