Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to institute a strategy to tackle the escalating numbers of mink throughout the country in view of the impact this particular animal has upon the landscape, habitat and other wildlife in the areas affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12891/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Mink found in the wild in Ireland are descended from animals that escaped from fur farms. They have been breeding in the countryside since the 1950s and are now found throughout much of the country. A report published by my Department in 2009 estimated the population of wild mink in the State could reach a total of between 20,500 and 33,500 individuals. It identified ground-nesting birds as the species most vulnerable to mink predation.

For some time I have been concerned about the prevalence of feral mink around the country and especially their effects on ground-nesting birds. However, the cost of a national cull would be prohibitive at this time. Accordingly, my Department is concentrating its resources on protecting the nesting sites of rare and threatened bird species such as the red-throated diver, the corncrake, the grey partridge, waders and terns from a range of predators, including mink. Experience has shown that targeted control of predators at specific times can have a significant benefit to the breeding success of these species.

I am aware of the work of the National Association of Regional Game Councils which has been actively promoting mink control to its members by providing funding for its regional councils for the purchase of traps for individual clubs. I decided to provide €20,000 for the organisation towards the payment of a bounty to hunters this year based on the number of mink killed. I consider this to be a useful addition to the control measures already being taken by my Department on land it owns. While feral mink are found in most parts of the country, I requested that, as far as possible, special attention be given to the counties of Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Kerry where my Department has already concentrated its efforts. The bounty scheme will be operated by the National Association of Regional Game Councils and a verification process will be in operation between it and my Department. As wild mink are not protected under the Wildlife Acts, they can be controlled by landowners and their agents.

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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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.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. Not only are mink a threat to other species of wildlife, they are also a threat to domestic fowl. The Deputy has referred to a few incidents which occurred in west Kerry. I can inform him that similar incidents took place in the northern part of the county where a huge flock of turkeys was completely wiped out just prior to Christmas. What is happening is also affecting people economically. This is a matter which we must address. To that end, I have made €20,000 available this year. The total cost to the Department for the control of mink is approximately €100,000, but we will have to provide more resources in the future.

In the Hebrides in Scotland it was proved that with a proper eradication programme, mink could be exterminated in an environment. However, that was on a smaller island. To exterminate mink entirely in this country it would cost approximately €100 million, a significant amount of money. This is a very important issue, especially if we consider ground-nesting birds, to which mink are doing more damage than any other species. Such birds include the corncrake, a rare species.

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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We need a national campaign. Perhaps the partnership and Leader groups might get involved in providing grant aid for farmers. We must put in place a trap system as the bounty system has failed to work. There is evidence of this in Iceland particularly, as during the years the population has grown, despite the existence of several bounty schemes. I will speak to the Minister later, but perhaps something might be done with the rural development groups in providing Leader programme funding and grant aid for local farmers. Mink which are trapped could be used as part of a commercial activity to offset the cost of trapping the animals. I do not know, however, if that suggestion would be feasible.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for his very practical proposal; he usually comes here with good and practical proposals. We can discuss the matter again.