Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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281. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures that are being taken to halt the loss of native plant biodiversity, given the increase occurrence of cases of invasive species such as giant hogweed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28024/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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While it is certain that invasive species are having negative effects on biodiversity locally, through competition and complete or partial replacement of the native flora/vegetation communities, my Department does not currently consider that rare plant species are under imminent threat from such invasives. I am aware of much useful work by Inland Fisheries Ireland in controlling aquatic and waterside invasive plants, such as hogweed, and my Department has helped fund some such initiatives.

The European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477/2011) prohibit the spreading of invasive species.