Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether carted stag hunting is a cruel and unacceptable activity; if he will issue licences to facilitate such hunting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22186/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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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.

My Department has had discussions with representatives of the Ward Union Stag Hunt concerning their application for a hunting licence for the coming season. I have raised a number of issues of serious concern with the Ward Union Hunt including in relation to conservation and protection of stags generally and compliance with previous licence conditions. I will shortly make my decision on the licence application.