Asked Agriculture
Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the importance of Ireland's hedgerow in the payments system under the Common Agricultural Policy, especially in view of Ireland's low level of forest coverage; his further views on the climate mitigation effects of Ireland's hedgerows and their importance in meeting Ireland's EU and Paris agreement targets; the way the proposed Heritage Bill 2016, with its provisions for increased hedgerow cutting and upland burning, might impact on these effects; and if he has discussed these aspects of the Bill with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. [9082/17]