Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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423. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on whether the burning season should be extended a month, in view of the fact that his Department are saying that there is too much scrub on land and deeming it ineligible; every opportunity should be given to allow for the removal of that scrub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9276/14]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012 prohibit the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife. Vegetation such as hedgerows and scrub is important as wildlife habitat and needs to be managed in the interests of both farming and biodiversity. I have initiated a review of the current legislation to ensure that it remains both effective and balanced. Without prejudging the outcome of the review, in the timeframe available, it would not be possible to amend the closing date of 1 March this year. The issue of eligibility of land is one for my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.