Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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1744. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there is a set period every year when trees and hedges are allowed be cut; who sets this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33982/14]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, 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. My Department has initiated a review of the current legislation to ensure that it remains both effective and balanced. As part of that review, the potential for setting the relevant dates by statutory instrument, rather than in primary legislation, as is the position currently, is being examined.