Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if he will organise a cull to reduce the number of wild mink; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13912/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Mink found in the wild in Ireland are descended from animals that escaped from fur farms. They have been breeding in the countryside since the 1950s and are now found throughout much of the country. A report published by my Department in 2009 estimated that the potential population of wild mink in the State was between 20,500 and 33,500 individuals. The report identified ground nesting birds as the species most vulnerable to mink predation.

However, the cost of a national cull would be prohibitive at this time. Accordingly, my Department is concentrating its resources on protecting the nesting sites of rare and threatened bird species including red-throated diver, corncrake, grey partridge, waders and terns from a range of predators including mink. Experience has shown that targeted control of predators at specific times can have a significant benefit to the breeding success of these species. In addition, I have instructed my Department to consider options for increased control of the numbers of mink. As wild mink are not protected under the Wildlife Acts they can be controlled by landowners and their agents.