Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 689: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the banning of wild fowling for the 2005-06 season owing to concerns surrounding the spread of the avian flu pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30742/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I do not consider such a prohibition to be warranted at present. However, the position is being kept under review. My Department, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Food, is considering possible additional measures that may need to be taken should the virus reach western Europe, including limiting or stopping the hunting of wild birds. The timing and scale of any such measures will depend on ongoing assessment of the level of risk to be addressed.