Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
730. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when it is proposed to reinstate the Sustainable Hunting of Wild Birds Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40053/26]
View answerThe Sustainable Hunting of Wild Birds Stakeholder Forum was established in 2024 to facilitate engagement with relevant stakeholders with a view to ensuring that the hunting of wild bird species in Ireland is in line with EU and national laws and regulations, through the development of collaborative action and improving mutual understanding and trust.
The Forum has met eight times, seven of which were in-person, with significant commitment from the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my department. I am aware of the recent suspension of the Forum by the independent chairperson to allow for discussion with members around future engagement. A decision will be taken in due course on the reconvening of this Forum, pending the conclusion of these discussions.
The Chair has reaffirmed that he believes the Forum can have a very important role in shaping policy around sustainable hunting of wild birds.
The NPWS remains fully committed to working with stakeholders, as it is only through collective collaboration and trust that we can successfully achieve Ireland’s nature conservation and protection objectives.
