Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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70. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when the Wildlife Advisory Council last met; if he will report on its work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50571/22]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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Section 13 of the Wildlife Act 1976 provided for the establishment of the Wildlife Advisory Council to advise the Minister on policy, objectives, and programmes relating to the conservation of wildlife. This section was repealed by Section 4 of the Heritage Act 1995, in effect ceasing the Wildlife Advisory Council Order (S.I No.79 of 1978).

The Heritage Act 1995 established the Heritage Council and provided that references to the Wildlife Advisory Council should be construed as references to the Heritage Council. The functions of the Heritage Council include proposing policies and priorities for the identification, protection, preservation, and enhancement of flora, fauna, and wildlife habitats.

Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department, including the Heritage Council, to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for the Heritage Council is oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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71. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the role that his Department or the National Parks and Wildlife Service has following the instances of swan mortalities at a location (details supplied) in August 2022; if a full investigation as to the cause of mortalities has been conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50572/22]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has responsibly for avian influenza testing in Ireland. I can confirm that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has contacted DAFM and made them aware of the issue referred to. Avian Influenza has to be ruled out in the first instance and DAFM always need to be contacted in such cases so they can have records and enact their own biosecurity measures. NPWS has asked for information on the outcomes of that testing to be provided along with other evidence material to assist in ascertaining possible poisoning and any potential investigation requirement. The NPWS has also informed Cavan Co. Co. (Environment Section) and the EPA of the matter.