Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1338. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider establishing a multi-agency taskforce to examine the cause of repeated occurrences of illegal gorse burning; and her plans to propose remedies to address the problem and to report back to Dáil Éireann. [5437/20]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Deputy’s concern regarding the recent fires and illegal burning generally.

There are already a number of the Multi-Agency Gorse Fire Groups in existence that explore issues surrounding such fires, in different locations around the country. My Department, through its National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), is one of a number of agencies represented on such groups. An Garda Síochána is also represented on these groups and lead any criminal investigations. The groups are convened by the Fire Services Department of the relevant Local Authority and the Chief Fire Officer for the Local Authority. Generally, the Chief Fire Officer for the Local Authority would chair the meetings and maintain records and the membership of such groups would include representation from stakeholders such as:

- Fire Services Department of the Local Authority

- Gardaí

- Forest Service Section of the Department of Agriculture and Food

- NPWS

- Coillte

- Teagasc

The primary responsibility in terms of fire fighting lies with the Fire Service and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

My Department continues to work closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and An Garda Síochána, as appropriate, to investigate the causes of such fires on designated sites and in national parks and, where evidence is forthcoming, to pursue appropriate enforcement under the Wildlife Acts or other legislation. The prosecution of those responsible is primarily a matter for the An Garda Síochána. The Department, through its National Parks and Wildlife Service staff, cooperates fully with any Garda investigations and any other investigations that may be initiated by other statutory bodies. Where appropriate, this Department pursues cross compliance with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.