Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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230. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to extend the time for hedge cutting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32496/15]

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. As a result, 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. The submissions received, during this process, have been published on the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department at .

Following the end of the public consultation period, I established a Working Group, consisting of officials from my Department, to consider the submissions received and to report back to me with a range of proposals. I expect to announce the outcome of the review in the near future.

Any changes to the closed period for cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, as provided for in section 40 of the Wildlife Acts, would require amending legislation.