Written answers
Tuesday, 14 July 2015
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
Wildlife Protection
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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961. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to ban the sale of migratory birds, as she has been urged to do by the National Association of Regional Game Councils with the support of the Woodcock Association of Ireland, Birdwatch Ireland and the Association of Game Shoot Operators, given that all of these associations have identified a major problem in the exploitation of migratory birds through unregulated tourist hunting, most of which is alleged to be taking place in the black economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29174/15]
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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962. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on whether the banning of the sale of migratory species will significantly remove the motivation and/or incentive for their commercial exploitation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29175/15]
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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963. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht whether she believes there is already significant precedent for banning the sale of migratory species, such as Statutory Instrument No. 228 of 1992 banning the sale of the curlew, and Statutory Instrument No. 241 of 1982 banning the sale of goldeneye ducks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29176/15]
Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 961 to 963, inclusive, together.
My Department is aware of concerns expressed by a number of organisations relating to the apparent increase in the hunting of certain migratory birds, including woodcock. I intend to hold a short consultation with relevant stakeholders on options to address concerns about woodcock to ensure their views are known to my Department on this matter. There is already legislation in place banning the sale of certain wild birds such as curlew, goldeneye and gadwall.
My officials will examine the options arising out of this consultation with a view to affording increased protection as appropriate to woodcock populations. I am conscious that the next hunting season for woodcock starts on 1 November. I would aim to have any necessary change in place by that time.
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