Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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97. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to support a matter on Birdwatch Ireland (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4558/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the Deputy is referring to my recent announcement relating to burning and hedge cutting. Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976, as amended, 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.

Following a review of Section 40, which involved,inter alia, consideration of submissions from interested parties, including from the organisation referred to in the Deputy's Question, I recently announced proposals to introduce legislation to allow for managed hedge cutting and burning at certain times within the existing closed period on a pilot two year basis. The legislation required to allow for these pilot measures has been included in the Heritage Bill 2016, which has recently been published.

I am keenly aware that we must ensure that this should not impact adversely upon our populations of wild birds. For that reason, any such cutting will be subject to conditions and restrictions, which will be specified in regulations in relation to hedgerow husbandry, management or maintenance to protect fauna or flora.

The existing provisions relating to Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts are still in operation and any changes to the closed period are dependent on the passage of the Heritage Bill 2016 through the Oireachtas.