The government said this evening that the application of a derogation for the trapping of the four species in question is possible in line with the Birds Directive.

Referring to an article in today's The Times, it said it was not true that trapping was meant to be completely outlawed in Malta by the end of 2008 following an almost five-year transition period in which the Commission granted 'special conditions' to allow the trapping of certain wild birds on a limited scale.

"Contrary to what is indicated in the article, the alleged infringement referred to is not related to the transitional period provided in the Accession Treaty concerning trapping of seven finch species.

"The alleged infringement concerns four species of birds (turtle dove, quail, golden plover and song thrush) which were not amongst the seven species falling within the scope of the transitional period referred to above," it said.

The government said that the issue pertaining to this infringement procedure initiated by the Commission related to the Commission's investigation of the application of the conditions linked to the application of such derogation.

"It is pertinent to note that the government has already expressed its willingness to engage in technical discussions with the Commission on how best to preserve the objectives of the Birds Directive and the desirability of applying an autumn derogation for trapping of the species concerned in Malta."