Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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610. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the National Parks and Wildlife Service, as the statutory competent authority responsible for the favourable conservation status of Irish wild birds, can publically endorse the assertion and international consumer marketing by An Bord Bia to the effect that current agricultural policies, methods and food production are sustainable and natural, in terms of the current restricted range and falling productivity of threatened Irish farmland birds, such as the red grouse, hen harrier and curlew; if the service has ever suggested any form of satisfaction with the conservation status of these three species, dependant on farming activity, while communicating with the European Commission's directorate responsible for implementing the European birds directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27634/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department is aware of the decline of certain species as referred to by the Deputy and has reported on these matters to the European Commission as part of its statutory obligations for monitoring and reporting. The species in question are largely dependent upon low-productivity grazing areas in uplands and bogs, and their reduced numbers reflect long-term changes in land use in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, agriculture. Land uses such as turf-cutting and afforestation over many decades are also very significant. It is essential to include, in considerations of this topic, the fundamental need of landowners to secure a viable living for themselves and their families in rural areas.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department continues to work with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and other relevant Departments and agencies, to secure the conservation of these species, while seeking the means to support continued sustainable farming.