Written answers

Friday, 16 September 2016

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Wildlife Regulations

Photo of Brendan  RyanBrendan Ryan (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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948. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the basis for the hooded grey crow and the magpie being individually identified as a threat to public health as declared under Regulations (1)(A) of the European Communities (Wildlife Act, 1976) (Amendment) Regulations 1986, SI Number 254 of 1986; her views on this derogation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24700/16]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Birds Directive is implemented in Ireland under the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. Under the terms of the Directive, all Member States of the EU are bound to take measures to protect all wild birds and their habitats. Under Article 9(a), Member States may derogate in the interests of public health and safety; air safety; to prevent serious damage to crops, livestock, forests, fisheries and water; and for the protection of flora and fauna.

These derogations are achieved by way of declarations, which are made on an annual basis, under the European Communities (Wildlife Act, 1976) (Amendment) Regulations 1986, as amended, which allows the capturing and killing of some listed bird species in certain situations.

Both hooded crow and magpie were included in the derogations in the 1980s arising from concerns at the time. A review of the derogations is scheduled for 2018, as advised to the EU Commission, and this will take account of all relevant factors, including perceived threats, distribution and population data available on the bird species in the derogations. The review will include a public/stakeholder consultation element. In the meantime, species can be added to or dropped from the derogations list depending on new information available at the time of making annual derogations.

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