Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On this amendment, which proposes that hawthorn and blackthorn be added to the list of native species specified in Schedule 2, the list of native trees specified there includes all native tree species. Hawthorn and blackthorn are considered shrub species and therefore they have not been considered for inclusion in this scheme, along with other native tree species such as elder and spindle. It is important, however, to note that since the introduction of agri-environmental schemes in 1994 that the establishment of 6605 km of new hedgerows has been supported by the Department, where hawthorn and blackthorn are the dominant species. This work will continue in future agri-environmental schemes. If a landlord wishes to plant these species in association with the trees listed, this can be considered as part of the scheme design. For that reason, I am not accepting this amendment.