Seanad debates

Wednesday, 20 January 2016

Heritage Bill 2016: Second Stage

 

10:30 am

Photo of Máiría CahillMáiría Cahill (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and thank her for bringing forward this Bill. I will not be as eloquent or, indeed, get as worked up as Senator Norris, but I will focus on three general areas of the Bill that are important to the heritage of Ireland - canals, wildlife and the Heritage Council.

First, the provisions in Part 4 relate to the Heritage Council. The council was established to identify, protect, preserve and enhance our national heritage by focusing on areas such as national monuments, architectural objects, archaeological objects, flora, fauna, wildlife, seascapes and parks, to educate the public on these issues and to promote employment and tourism in these areas. It also seeks to encourage the appreciation of our national heritage by members of the public. All Members will agree that this is important work. Our national heritage is key to our identity as a nation and protecting and promoting it are vital. As such, it is crucial that this work is done in as efficient and effective a manner as possible. I welcome the aspects of the Bill which seek to streamline and strengthen the Heritage Council.

The critical review of the work of the Heritage Council, which was carried out as part of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin's, public service reform plan, made a number of recommendations that are to be implemented in the Bill. The report proposed two possible options - the abolition of the council or to streamline it. As the work of the council is so important, I believe that the second option, which the Minister is seeking to implement with this Bill, is the best way forward. I welcome that board members will no longer receive payment for serving on the board and that they will now only receive remuneration to cover their expenses. The number of board members is to be reduced while, crucially, maintaining the gender balance. That is welcome. I am also pleased that the council will now have to engage in a more effective and productive way with local authorities and local communities.

The second area of the Bill I wish to discuss is Part 3, which seeks to amend parts of the Wildlife Act to allow for the cutting of hedgerows in August, on which we have heard all manner of debate, and particularly for an additional month for the burning of vegetation in March. These months were previously excluded to protect bird life during nesting season and to protect vegetation and habitats during months of growth and reproduction. I appreciate that a wide public consultation was undertaken before these changes were proposed. I also appreciate that it is necessary to maintain a balance between the protection of our wildlife and agricultural interests. However, like other Members, I have received correspondence from a number of environmental agencies and organisations with concerns about parts of the Bill, such as An Taisce, BirdWatch Ireland, the Irish Wildlife Trust and the Hedge Laying Association of Ireland, who have come together to oppose these measures. They believe the Bill will have a serious impact on a range of wildlife species. On that, Senator Norris and I agree. There is an online petition on the issue and at the last glance I took today it had over 7,000 signatures. However, I accept what the Minister has said about having taken the concerns of the organisations into account. That is important and welcome. I ask her to take those concerns into account as the Bill moves forward.

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