Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 1510: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if officials of the National Parks and Wildlife Service are part of a network enabling them to increase their abilities to ensure the implementation of European law and share in their knowledge of their legal responsibilities; and if not if he has any plans to assist in the establishment of such a network. [33430/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service has particular responsibilities in regard to the EU Habitats and Birds Directives, and regularly attends meetings of the Habitats and Ornis Committees. The Habitats Committee assists the European Commission in the implementation of the Habitats Directive and provides advice to the Commission regarding the LIFE-Nature projects to be financed every year. The Ornis Committee assists the Commission in the implementation of the Birds Directive.

These committees normally meet in tandem with meetings of the EU Coordination Group for Biodiversity and Nature, at which the Commission and Member States discuss current issues in regard to implementation of the Directives and other matters relating to the EU Biodiversity Strategy. My Department also meets regularly with key relevant stakeholders, including the representatives of landowners, farmers, business, and environmental NGOs.