Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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295. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the steps he is taking to address the illegal capture and live sale of endangered wild animals at a national, Europe-wide and international level; if he has had discussions with his counterparts in other countries on this matter, particularly given that the previous SARS and current Covid-19 outbreaks are reportedly linked to the sale of live wild animals at so-called wet markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3729/21]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2018 are the primary statutes designed to afford protection to the various species in the State and which set out the framework for dealing with wildlife crime. In addition, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 include provisions affording strict protection to a number of species. International trade in endangered species is regulated by CITES, to which Ireland is a party and which is implemented in the European Union via the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations.

Trapping protected species for illegal trade is a form of wildlife crime. Within my Department, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has responsibility for species protection and biodiversity at national level, and the implementation of EU nature legislation.

Conservation rangers stationed around the country deal with enforcement matters under the Wildlife Acts. Their work includes the monitoring of compliance with national and European law in relation to nature conservation and wildlife crime across the country. The team also conducts patrols and site visits to enforce the law and investigate reports of illegal activity.

My Department works closely with An Garda Síochána who are also specifically empowered under the Acts to investigate alleged wildlife crime offences and to prosecute as they see fit. My Department will establish a dedicated Wildlife Crime Unit this year which will enhance our ability to better deal with all aspects of wildlife crime.

Ireland is a party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). In its capacity as the national CITES Management Authority, NPWS is responsible for the regulation of trade in CITES listed species and for meeting Ireland's obligations under the Convention as well as under the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations, which implements CITES in the EU context.

In this capacity, NPWS participates actively at EU and international level on CITES matters, including issues around illegal trade in listed species. Concerted action by EU Member States, including Ireland, is important in strengthening the protection afforded to endangered species such as, for example, rhinos and elephants, both of which can be targeted by the illegal wildlife trade, for their horn and ivory respectively. Other species, such as cetaceans, pangolins and several species of bat are also included on the CITES appendices and are subject to trade restrictions.

The EU Biodiversity Strategy launched in May 2020, recognised the linkages between biodiversity loss and zoonotic diseases which can lead to pandemics such as the current Covid-19 pandemic. The Strategy highlights the links between human health and the health of ecosystems. It also points to the need for sustainable supply chains and consumption patterns, protecting and restoring biodiversity and well-functioning ecosystems key to boosting our resilience and preventing the emergence and spread of future diseases. My Department continues to engage with colleagues at national level, across the EU and with the European Commission on implementation of the Strategy.

Finally, officials of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have participated in discussions at the OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) in relation to wildlife and wet markets. I understand there has also been EU engagement with the OIE on this issue.