Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he has taken to dissuade or remove any incentives for persons to burn gorse to ensure that we do not have a repeat of the difficult situation in recent months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12567/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The burning of vegetation, including gorse and scrub, growing on land not then cultivated is prohibited between 1 March and 31 August each year under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000. Arising from the large increase in the number of wildfires which occurred during 2010, the Land and Forest Fires Working Group was established last year. The Group highlighted, inter alia, the need to change the mindset regarding the use of fire in traditional agricultural practices.

Following on from that recommendation, my Department has embarked on an extensive publicity campaign since early 2011 to warn farmers and landowners of the dangers and the consequences of the uncontrolled and illegal burning of gorse and scrub. A particular focus of the campaign has been to highlight the penalties which apply under the Single Payment Scheme, as well as the legal consequences of illegal land burning through fines and imprisonment.

My Department will continue to prioritise publicising the dangers of this destructive illegal activity, in order to deter persons from risking both loss of life and property, through irresponsible land management practices. It is vitally important for rural dwellers to remain vigilant and be prepared to take responsibility by reporting any suspicious activities to the Garda.