Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is the free will of the farmer, the individual or custodian. He or she can choose to cut hedges from September to February. Just because this Bill is introduced he or she does not have to deal with hedges in March or August. It is his or her own choice at the end of the day. In cases where it may be a necessity it may be a requirement or an advantage to a farmer, pedestrian, motorist, bird or nature then the option exists, with the Minister's permission.