Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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295. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the situation with regard to Ireland complying with its obligations under the EU Invasive Alien Species Regulation (Regulation 1143/2014) to establish, implement and communicate under article 13 an action plan or plans concerning priority invasive alien species particularly in view of the announcement by the European Commission on 9 June 2021 that it was issuing Ireland a letter of formal notice over its ongoing failure to comply with its obligations in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32920/21]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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Article 13 of the EU Invasive Alien Species Regulation (1143/2014) refers to the obligation of Member States to establish action plans on the pathways of invasive alien species of Union concern and to communicate these plans to the European Commission.

Work is underway in my Department on three priority pathway action plans. Two of these plans - relating to angling and to boat users - are at an advanced draft stage. A third plan, relating to movement of soils and other materials that may act as a pathway for invasive species, is at an earlier stage. 

My Department will respond to the Commission's Letter of Formal Notice within the two-month deadline, outlining progress that has been made on implementation of the Regulation and setting out a clear plan of action to meet Ireland's obligations under the EU IAS Regulation in the future.