The Taoiseach will be aware that, because of ash dieback, a significant number of ash trees have to be felled this year in the interest of public safety. Due to the significant number of trees to be felled, there is a backlog and farmers are finding it more difficult to access contractors to do this by 1 March in the hedge-cutting season. Is any consideration being given to extending the hedge-cutting season, even by a number of weeks, to facilitate farmers in carrying out this much-needed work? As we know, many of these trees are on the side of the road, and from a public health and safety perspective, it is important the Government would consider giving flexibility to farmers to carry out this work.

I absolutely appreciate the concerns of landowners but road safety is one of the issues that is not covered under the Wildlife Act. Therefore the cutting of trees that are causing, or have the potential to cause, a road safety hazard can still be carried out but there are no plans to extend out the hedge-cutting season.