Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the increase in the number of dead seals found on Irish coasts in the past 12 months, monitored by the Irish Seal Sanctuary who have reported some seals with wounds consistent with gunshot wounds, others with injuries and damage and euthanised by a vet; the action he will take to prevent and reduce the incidents of seal deaths across the country. [9741/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Seals are protected under the Wildlife Acts and their key habitats require protection under the EU Habitats Directive.

My Department was greatly concerned about the situation in Waterford in February 2012 where dead seals were found washed up on shore at that time. Officials worked with An Garda Síochána and others to investigate the deaths of these seals, including the possibility that they were killed illegally. However, as it was not possible to determine exactly when or where the seals had died in this case, it was not possible to bring prosecutions.

In recent months, officials of my Department have responded to information received from the Irish Seal Sanctuary and others regarding dead seals on the Waterford and Wexford coasts. These specimens have also been investigated but none were confirmed to have sustained gunshot wounds. One specimen was the subject of a necropsy examination. In this case, the cause of death appeared to be linked to neoplasia or cancerous growths.

Departmental officials working in coastal areas remain particularly vigilant during the seal breeding season and will continue to work closely with other law enforcement authorities in such situations.