Ragwort, which is currently listed in the Noxious Weeds Act, has been "spotted flourishing on the front lawn of Leinster House" according to a senator.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is responsible for overseeing the control and the prevention of the spread of certain weeds under the Noxious Weeds Act.

Under the act it is an offence not to prevent the spread of ragwort, broad-leaved dock, creeping thistle, curled dock, spear thistle, spring wild oat and winter wild oat, and blackgrass.

The owner, occupier, user, or managers of lands on which these weeds are present and not being controlled are subject to the provisions of the act, including a fine of up to €1,000 on conviction.

DAFM has said it constantly engages with all county councils, local authorities, and the National Roads Authority (NRA) to ensure a "consistent programme of treatment and disposal of such weeds on an ongoing basis".

However, the Independent Senator Aubrey McCarthy today (Tuesday, July 15) drew attention to the fact that ragwort is growing in front of Leinster House, which he described as "a shameful symbol of non-compliance".

Senator McCarthy said: "If ragwort can flourish outside the very building where laws are made, it undermines our credibility and duty to uphold them."

According to Teagasc, farmers must, under conditionality requirements, take "appropriate measures" to prevent the spread of noxious weeds under Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) number 8.

" Failure to do so may result in the application of a reduction of their area-based payments," it has warned.

Senator McCarthy said ragwort's bright yellow flowers may appear benign "but beneath its sunny facade lies a grave risk to Ireland’s agricultural heritage and public health".

"The plant’s conspicuous presence on motorways, farmland, urban estates and now on the grounds of Leinster House, demands immediate enforcement and public awareness," the senator said.