Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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663. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on extending the hedge cutting season from 1 March 2015 to 15 March 2015 as much of the ground was impassable during the recent wet weather; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4809/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012 prohibits 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. Accordingly, a review of the current legislation was initiated to ensure that it remains both effective and balanced.

Stakeholders had been seeking an opportunity to input their views on the operation of section 40 of the Acts and I announced, last year, a consultation process which provided that opportunity with a deadline for the receipt of submissions by 9 January 2015.

All submissions received by this deadline are to be considered as part of any future decision in relation to the operation of section 40 of the Acts and any change to the section would require amending legislation. Therefore, without prejudging the outcome of the review, it would not be possible, in the timeframe available, to amend this section before 1 March 2015.