Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on fishermen's concerns that seals are damaging fish stocks in area 6A; his further views on the Conservation of Seals (Scotland) Order 2007; the implications for Irish fish stocks of the presence of 350,000 seals off the Scottish coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18388/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of fishermen's concerns regarding the seal populations in and around our coasts. With regard to the role that the seal plays in the conservation of fish stocks, seals eat a wide array of fish and invertebrates. I am informed that their diet appears to vary considerably depending on location, time of year and the abundance of available prey.

Insofar as management of the national seal population is concerned, this is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government under the Wildlife Acts, which are administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The conservation of seals in Scottish waters is a matter for the Scottish Authorities, and I will not comment the Conservation of Seals (Scotland) Order 2007.