Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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51. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to provide an update on the Heritage Bill 2016 and, in particular, on the proposed amendment to the closed period for hedge cutting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13260/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Heritage Bill 2016, which passed its 2nd Stage reading in Seanad Éireann on 20 January 2016, provides, inter alia, for a power to the Minister to permit, by regulations, the burning of vegetation in March (a month normally closed to burning) during such period or periods and in such areas of the State as the Minister may specify. The regulations may also set out conditions or restrictions to protect protected habitats and species in areas where such burning is permitted. There is also proposed provision to allow landowners or their agents to cut, grub or destroy vegetation in any hedge or ditch during August, subject to such regulations as the Minister may make. Both of these provisions would remain active for a pilot period of two years, with provision for continuation by resolution by each House of the Oireachtas.

I have sought the restoration of the Heritage Bill 2016 to the legislative programme through the Offices of the Government Chief Whip and the Leader of the Seanad. I am informed they are currently finalising this programme with a view to moving it shortly.