Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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200. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the steps he has taken to bring forward regulations to protect the basking shark; the timeline for bringing such regulations; the efforts he has taken to develop a code of conduct; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15541/22]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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I intend to make Regulations under Section 23 of the Wildlife Act 1976 to protect the basking shark. As the basking shark is a species of fish, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine must also sign the Regulations. I have consulted with Minister McConalogue, who supports the proposal. My Department is in the process of drafting the Regulations, which should be finalised by the end of May.

A code of conduct for sustainable marine eco-tourism will be developed. This code will encompass whales and dolphins as well as basking sharks. A review of international best practice is currently underway and key stakeholders, to assist in drafting the code of conduct, are being identified. The code of conduct should be ready for public consultation during the Summer.