Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order

HC Deb 30 June 2003 vol 408 c102W

Mark Tami

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to amend the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985. [121594]

Angela Smith

The Department of the Environment plans, at the earliest opportunity, to amend the definition of a 'wild bird' in the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 to comply with the European Union Habitats Directive.

On the wider front, the Department is currently carrying out a review of the Order and a full report is expected in the autumn. A decision will be taken at that time on the need for further amendment to the Order and the timing of any such amendments.