Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 384: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if responsibility for the policing of the Noxious Weeds Act 1936, particularly as it relates to the control of ragwort, is the duty of An Garda Síochána; the number of occupiers of lands failing to destroy same who have been prosecuted in each of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004; if his Department or An Garda Síochána have been consulted by the Department of Agriculture and Food regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38819/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The powers of An Garda Síochána regarding the control of ragwort is as set out under the Noxious Weeds Act 1936. Section 8 of the Act provides that proceedings under the Act shall not be instituted except by or with the consent of the Minister for Agriculture. I regret that it has not been possible in the time available to obtain the information requested by the Deputy regarding the number of prosecutions. I will be in contact with the Deputy with regard to the matter when it becomes available.