18. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the appropriate assessment screening produced by his departmental officials for the Pollack Fishing Conservation Bye-Law (No. 1028) 2026 as required under the EU Habitats Directive, followed European best practice in ecological desktop studies; furthermore was the appropriate assessment screening reviewed by an independent chartered ecologist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46185/26]

The Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening of the Pollack Fishing Conservation Bye-Law No. 1028 of 2026 was undertaken by officials in accordance with the Appropriate Assessment Guidance document published by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS).

There is no requirement in the Habitats Directive or in the NPWS Guidance to have an AA Screening independently reviewed by a chartered ecologist. In preparing the screening, Department officials consulted with the Research and Development Division in Inland Fisheries Ireland to ensure that the screening was informed by appropriate scientific and ecological expertise.