Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I understand the points raised by the Senator and his sincere motivations in this regard but the legal position is that the dates are set out in primary legislation and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has no power or discretion to vary them. The dates can only be altered by primary legislation enacted by the Oireachtas. I will take up the specific point the Deputy raised with the Minister.

The Senator may be aware that the National Parks and Wildlife Service is currently undertaking a project to review and update wildlife legislation. This is an extensive review and a multiyear project. It will examine closely the effectiveness of our legislation in protecting wildlife and regulating activities that adversely impact wildlife and biodiversity. A public consultation will be held later this year and this may be something the Senator wishes to raise as part of that review.