Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

It is also the case that the lands in question amount to only approximately 1% of the land area of the State, while extensive facilities for hunting are available on Coillte lands, as the Senator pointed out, privately owned land and foreshore.

The Minister also had to take account of considerations of public safety and confidence and of the potential exposure of the State to claims for damages by persons harmed or otherwise adversely affected by hunting on National Parks and Wildlife Service properties. Hunting on these lands could result in disturbing non-quarry species and their habitat, thereby reducing the value of the sites as reserves and refuges for wildlife generally.

We approached this matter with an open mind but on reviewing all the pertinent issues, it was concluded that in regard to National Parks and Wildlife Service managed properties, it would not be in the general public interest to change the current total prohibition on such shooting.

On the issue the Senator raised concerning Deputy Brendan Smith, I confirm that information was erroneously supplied from my Department to the Deputy in October 2003 indicating that consideration could be given to permitting some hunting on State lands on a pilot basis. This information preceded the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Cullen's consideration of and decision on this matter, which was assisted by senior officials of the National Parks and Wildlife Service and concluded in January 2004.