Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his detailed response. In summary, he has confirmed to me that Ireland had legal proceedings issued against it by the European Commission in relation to its obligations under the habitats directive, which are to protect natural habitats, and for "failing to establish the necessary legal measures to ensure its conservation".

It was great to hear the reference "in relation to the legal case" in the last part of the Minister of State's reply. That is all I wanted to know, and the Minister of State has confirmed it for me. I thank him for those last words. He has given a comprehensive response, for which I thank him, and provided great clarity on the issue. He has demonstrated by his words that there is a commitment to get on with it. I just hope it will happen soon. I suggest we will have another opportunity in June because I understand that is when it is going to happen. I will then have another opportunity to raise another Commencement matter and we can tease out the issues in regard to the findings of the EU. I thank the Minister of State very much.