Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is incumbent on anyone cutting a hedge not to interfere with birds or nests. There seems to be a misunderstanding about this and I have consulted widely on the Bill. The Senator referred to a letter about a meeting. I have met those involved in the environmental pillar. They were consulted and those concerned sent me a letter shortly after I had met them. I do not know how many times they want me to meet them, but I have met them.

The Bill gives the Minister the power to change the dates by regulation on a pilot basis. The regulations will allow the trimming back of only one season's growth in the month of August. I propose that we allow the trimming back of one year's growth on land where reseeding or tillage is taking place in the month of August.