Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1091: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the results of a national hare survey are available; and if the findings point to a further decrease in the size of the hare population or to a healthier and resurgent hare population bearing in mind that Ireland's red data book on vertebrates lists the hare as one of a number of species under threat from multiple factors, including hunting activities. [19826/07]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1092: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will impose a suspension on coursing activities in the event that the hare survey indicates either a significant national decline in hare numbers or widespread localised disappearance of the species. [19827/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1091 and 1092 together.

The final report of the Status of Hares in Ireland — Hare Survey of Ireland 2006/07, is available and may be downloaded from the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department [www.npws.ie/en/media/Media, 5119,en.IWM30].

The survey was carried out nationwide over two years and the results confirm that hares are widespread throughout the country. The national population was estimated at 233,000 hares in 2006 and 535,000 in 2007. The scale of this change between consecutive years reflects the ability of the hare to respond well to favourable breeding conditions and is consistent with recent surveys of the hare populations in Northern Ireland. The drivers for such population fluctuations are poorly understood, but are likely to include an interaction between weather conditions and land management practices.

The report also reviews the exploitation of hares through coursing and highlights the significant improvement in hare survival brought about through compulsory muzzling in 1993. While I am pleased that the improvements made by the Irish Coursing Club are having an effect, the results of the survey highlight the need for further research into the impacts of hare coursing at a local level.

The Irish Red Data Book for vertebrates was published in 1993 and my Department is at present working with the Environment and Heritage Service of Northern Ireland to prepare an updated version, taking into account recent changes in the IUCN assessment system and the new data gathered for many of Ireland's vertebrate species.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1093: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the fact that the stags hunted by a hunt (details supplied) in County Meath are farmed domesticated deer, and therefore not wild, he will withhold the issuing of a licence in 2007 under the Wildlife Act 1976 permitting stag hunting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19828/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Section 26(1) of the Wildlife Act 1976 provides that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government may grant to the master or other person in charge of a pack of stag hounds, a licence authorising the hunting of deer by that pack, during such period or periods as is or are specified in the licence. I sought and obtained advice from the Attorney General as to the view that this section might not apply to domesticated deer. The Attorney General has confirmed that Section 26 provides for the licensing of hunting for deer by stag hounds irrespective of whether the deer are wild or captive-bred.

I am awaiting further information in relation to a licence application for the coming season and will be making a decision on the matter in the coming weeks.