Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 444: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if measures will be taken to protect the curlew from extinction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23006/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The curlew is red-listed as a globally threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature since 2007. A recent survey published by BirdWatch Ireland indicated that, based on the results of a survey to find breeding curlews in counties Donegal and Mayo, the current number of breeding pairs in the State is less than 200. However, there is a large influx of curlews into Ireland every winter and the winter numbers have not shown a parallel decline.

The cause of the decline in breeding pairs is not clear. It is possible that the loss of habitat in upland areas, where afforestation, commercial peat-cutting and windfarm developments have taken place, is a factor in the decline of the species. It is also likely that the spread of forestry has boosted the number of foxes and grey crows, both very efficient predators of nests.

Under the Open Seasons Order the hunting of curlew is allowed in the month of November only. My Department is reviewing its inclusion on the shooting list in view of the steep decline in breeding curlews. My Department is also engaging in a process of investigations and consultations with relevant parties with a view to ascertaining the causes of the decline and putting in place appropriate supportive measures.