29 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the fact that although the bird-nesting season is in full swing, a number of local authorities and individuals are busily cutting hedgerows and destroying other habitats; and the actions, if any, he will take to prevent these activities until such time as the breeding season is over. [12193/96]

I refer to the reply to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question No. 27 on 8 May 1996, Official Report, vol. 465, Cols. 73/74 on this subject where the main provisions of the Wildlife Act, 1976, in relation to the protection of nesting birds were outlined.