Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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647. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding an alleged breach of the Wildlife Acts in February 2014 (details supplied) in Donabate in County Dublin; and if she will instruct the National Parks and Wildlife Service to report on the status of the complaint made. [18699/15]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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648. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the transformer which was damaged, allegedly by a person (details supplied) in Donabate in County Dublin, in February 2015; and if she will instruct the Electricity Supply Board to report on the repair works required, including costs. [18700/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 647 and 648 together.

All birds, including the species referred to by the Deputy, are protected under the Wildlife Acts and the EU Birds Directive. However, the hunting of certain game birds, such as the species in question, is allowed at certain times of the year under the Open Seasons Order for Wild Birds. In addition, the shooting of that species is allowed under an annual Declaration made under the European Communities (Wildlife Act, 1976) (Amendment) Regulations 1986 (SI No 254 of 1986), which permits the capture or killing of certain birds to prevent serious damage to arable crops or to public health.

My Department is aware of allegations of illegal hunting last year in the area referred to by the Deputy. I understand that Final County Council, An Garda Síochána and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department have had discussions to consider this matter. I have no information regarding alleged damage to a transformer.