Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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714. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason the urban fox population has increased in the past few years, if it is an area of concern for health, what are other cities doing about the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36807/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The fox is one of the most common and widely distributed mammals in Ireland. It is not a protected species and no national census has been undertaken. Data collated on the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s website, however, shows that it is found in every county of Ireland and has adapted to both rural and urban habitats. It is well established in the suburbs of Dublin, and in Dublin city. With regard to the issue of health, the Deputy will appreciate that foxes are wild animals and should not be encouraged into close contact, for example, by feeding in gardens.