Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 220: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the derogation order for the current period (details supplied) will be renewed in accordance with Article 9 of 79/490 birds directive. [34777/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Council Directive No. 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds is implemented in Ireland under the Wildlife Acts. Under the terms of the Directive all EU member States, including Ireland, are bound to take measures to protect all wild birds and their habitats. The Directive allows member States to make derogations from its protective measures in certain circumstances.

While there are no derogations currently in place it is my intention to renew the derogations with effect from 1 January, 2008. The new derogations will, for the first time, exclude the use of meat baits for the purposes of the control of pest species by means of poison. This is to prevent accidental killing of birds of prey.