To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements are in place for visits by Environment and Heritage Service officials to ensure that areas of special scientific interest in private ownership are not being compromised. (78174)

The Department of the Environment has a statutory responsibility to ensure that areas of special scientific interest (ASSIs) are afforded protection from damage and that they are managed in a manner that will secure their scientific interest. Accordingly, in normal circumstances, EHS conducts one integrity monitoring visit annually and one condition monitoring visit every six years. If a breach of legislation is suspected, entry onto the land will be required immediately.