I call on the Taoiseach to convene a citizens' assembly urgently on the biodiversity crisis. Across the globe, biodiversity, nature and wildlife are in peril, nowhere more so than in Ireland. Climate change, habitat loss, habitat destruction and illegal poisoning have all led to a point where 54 of all bird species are now red listed, which means they are critically endangered. There has been an 81% loss in wetland species over a 50-year period. We need to act now. We need to convene a citizens' assembly now because we need to start addressing this biodiversity crisis straightaway.

I appreciate the Deputy raising this issue. I know he has a lifelong commitment to this area. In that context, I intend to bring to Cabinet shortly proposals for a citizens' assembly on biodiversity. It is absolutely critical that we move on this and that we move with speed and conviction. I intend to do that.