Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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239. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of game birds currently under threat of possible extinction or already extinct such as the red grouse, partridge or others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18892/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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There are currently 21 bird species on Ireland’s Open Seasons Order. Of these 21 species, 14 were the subject of national-level concern, on foot of Ireland’s 2019 EU Article 12 report and 15 are listed as Amber or Red on BirdWatch Ireland’s Birds of Conservation Concern Ireland (BOCCI) list.

In response to concerns at the national and EU level on the status of Annex II bird species, my colleague, the Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD has commenced a review of the bird species included on the Open Seasons Order. This review is currently open to public consultation until 3 May 2023.

Further information on Ireland's Open Seasons Order and the public consultation can be found on my Department’s website and that of the National Parks and Wildlife Service at the respective links:

www.gov.ie/en/consultation/c98d4-public-consultation-on-amending-the-open-seasons-order-for-birds/

www.npws.ie/legislation/irish-law/open-seasons-order