Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 929: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of hares killed during March 2006 by hunts licenced under Licence No. 1/2006 (Licence To Hunt With Pack of Beagles). [9598/07]

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 930: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has granted an extension of licences to cover March 2007 to beagling clubs; and the names of the hunts covered by the licence. [9599/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 929 and 930 together.

Licences to hunt with a pack of beagles may be granted under Section 26(2) of the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended. The return made to my Department under the conditions of the licence, referred to in the Question, indicate that one hare was killed during March 2006.

I have granted licences in respect of March 2007 to two beagling clubs, namely, the Irish Masters of Beagles Association and the Cork Southern Hunt Club. These clubs are, however, being informed that, for conservation reasons, licences to permit the hunting of hares with beagles beyond the standard open season for the species (which runs to the end of February) may not be granted in future.