Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 359: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the complaints from landowners or other members of the public in regard to the activities of a hunt (details supplied). [18884/09]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 361: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will refuse future licences to a hunt (details supplied) in view of the continuing risk being posed to motorists in Counties Meath and Dublin. [18886/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 361 together.

Section 26(1) of the Wildlife Act 1976 provides that I 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.

The Ward Union Hunt Club was granted a licence on 8 September 2008 for the 2008/2009 season from 13 October 2008 to 31 March 2009. This licence did not authorise any person to enter on any land without the permission of the owner or the occupier and, in addition, contained a number of conditions addressing the control of the Hunt, traffic management, the convenience of the general public and notification of landowners in the immediate vicinity of each hunt meeting.

My Department is aware of some complaints in relation to some of the hunts which took place in the 2008/2009 season. In considering any application for a renewal of a licence for the coming season, compliance with the licence conditions during the term of the previous licence will be taken into account.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 360: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an animal trap (details supplied) is unlawful here under the Wildlife Act 1976; and the action he and the National Parks and Wildlife Service are taking against distributors of this trap. [18885/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The use of traps, snares and nets in relation to wildlife is governed by the Wildlife Act, 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations 2003. The "Nooski Animal Trap" does not meet the requirements set by these Regulations and is, therefore, illegal.

Staff from my Department's National Park and Wildlife Service are currently in contact with the supplier of these traps in order to stop their introduction into the country.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 362: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of animals destroyed in dog pounds here in 2008 and 2009 along with a breakdown of the dog breeds in question; and if the breeds are not currently recorded, his views on making it compulsory for pounds to record this data. [18887/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The number of dogs put to sleep in local authority dog pounds in 2008 was 10,066 which is a 20% decrease on the 2007 figure of 12,649. Further details are available on my Department's website. Figures for 2009 will not be available until early 2010. Details are not breed specific and there are no plans to alter these arrangements.