1799. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that individuals and groups removing invasive species such as Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed on a voluntary basis are currently under threat of criminal sanction under section 40 of the Wildlife Act, 1976; if he plans to amend the Act to ensure that landowners and volunteers can protect and protect nature against invasive species; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58033/26]

The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department is currently undertaking an important project to update wildlife legislation. This includes the Wildlife Act 1976, the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and significant regulations made under these provisions. The project is examining closely the effectiveness of legislation in protecting wildlife and regulating activities that adversely impact on wildlife and biodiversity.

This is a complex undertaking, and will be carried out in a number of phases. A first phase of public consultation was undertaken in 2024.

Many aspects of wildlife legislation are being examined as part of this project. A key focus of the initial phase of the legislation update will be on strengthening the enforcement of wildlife crime and on addressing legislative anomalies. The matter raised by the Deputy will be examined in this context.