Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)

It is evident that there has been a massive increase in the number of wild mink in Ireland. When in opposition in 2010 the Taoiseach raised this matter in the House with the then Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley, and what was said received coverage in the Mayo Advertiser. At the time it was believed, perhaps on the basis of a census carried out or a rough estimate made in 2009, that up to 33,500 mink were living in the wild. I am sure that now there are between 40,000 abd 50,000 wild mink throughout the country. All of the evidence, particularly that relating to a number of incidents which occurred in recent years, seems to point to the fact that the population of wild mink is increasing at a rapid rate. Wild mink are causing havoc among and damage to other species of wildlife and rare species of birds. There have also been attacks on domestic farmyard fowl. When I was at home in west Kerry recently, I listened to a radio report in which was outlined the major damage done in farmyards throughout the Corcha Dhuibhne area. It must also be borne in mind that these days many ordinary people keep poultry in order to ensure they have a stock of eggs. There is evidence to suggest mink are present on the Great Blasket Island and Puffin Island. I, therefore, ask the Minister to take immediate action to prevent the numbers of mink on the islands in question from increasing even further. These mink will wipe out rare birds and other species of wildlife if they are allowed to roam the islands in the way they have been permitted to wander the mainland.

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