27 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that the habitats of nesting birds are being protected during the current breeding season. [9183/96]

All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife Act, 1976, which provides, subject to certain exceptions, that it is an offence to take or destroy the eggs or nest of a wildbird or disturb a wildbird on or near a nest containing eggs or unflown young. In relation to the habitat of nesting birds the Wildlife Act also provides, subject to certain exceptions, that it is an offence to destroy by burning or otherwise between 15 April and 31 August, vegetation growing on any land not cultivated or not in the course of cultivation for agriculture or forestry. While local authorities are exempt from this provision, I am arranging for the National Parks and Wildlife Service to re-issue a letter to all local authorities drawing their attention to the potential damage caused to nesting birds by hedge cutting and requesting them to refrain from this activity in so far as possible during the breeding season.