Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 679: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to increase the fines under the Noxious Weeds Act 1936; when they were last increased; the amount collected in fines in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12342/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Noxious Weeds Act, 1936, is being examined in the context of an on-going review of legislation in this area.

The penalty for non-compliance with this legislation, £20 on conviction, remains unchanged since 1936. Additionally, payments relating to certain schemes administered by this Department are contingent on compliance with the control of noxious weeds.

No prosecutions were taken in the last three years. The Department has focused on promoting best practice with regard to the control and elimination of noxious weeds, through advertising campaigns and advisory services. Inspections have been undertaken in affected areas and compliance notices issued, as necessary. In all such instances, the landowner responsible took the appropriate measures to eliminate the weeds.