Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
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708. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the review of the EIA (Agriculture) Regulations; if it has commenced; the anticipated timeline for its completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10224/23]

Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
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709. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the imposition of a moratorium on screening applications under the current EIA regulations, given the biodiversity crises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10225/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 708 and 709 together.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has committed to completing a full review of the EIA (Agriculture) Regulations (S.I. 456 of 2011, as amended) along with a review of procedures for dealing with screening applications. To progress this review, my officials will commence a consultation process with all relevant stakeholders in the near future.

It would not be appropriate for the Department to impose a moratorium on screening applications until the review has taken place. All screening applications received are assessed by my officials in accordance with Article 8 of the EIA (Agriculture) Regulations. This assessment includes professional ecological assessment. If an application is not screened as having no significant environmental impact, it is rejected and a full Appropriate Assessment is required before permission can be granted for the proposed works.