Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for the opportunity to make a number of comments on the amendments. The big point here - Senator Lombard touched on it as well - is striking a balance. Yes, as Senator Norris pointed out, it is about minding the birds, but it is also about minding the people and achieving a balance in that regard. The Bill asks us to extend the hedge-cutting season for one month, to include August, and to allow burning of vegetation in March. The major point is that this is on a pilot basis in order that we can ensure that the best possible evidence is put forward and that an in-depth analysis and assessment is undertaken to look at any potential impact this would have on bird nesting and vegetation in order to inform any decision beyond the pilot phase.

The farming community has been mentioned. Allowing hedge cutting in August is a practical step in that it will allow our farmers more time to complete the job. We have also touched on safety. The Bill will also help to improve safety because farmers will have increased daylight hours. It will allow them to carry out these tasks when soil conditions are better. We must also think of being able to facilitate this work to ensure better land management, which the Bill will also allow, and better road safety, while being mindful of the necessary protections for wildlife and habitats. Vegetation such as that found in scrub and hedgerows is an important wildlife habitat but it also needs to be managed. I stress the importance of being able to strike a balance here. This is on a pilot basis for two years, during which time an in-depth analysis and assessment will be carried out to investigate any potential impact it will have on flora and fauna, but it is about achieving a balance between the birds and the people. That is what we need to do in this Bill.