Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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1682. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the fact that the activities of commercial shoot operators targeting woodcock in the main, particularly in the western counties, are frequently unregulated and the need to regulate the shooting of wild animals and birds in the interest of conservation and sustainability, if she will provide a commencement date for section 36 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 which deals with the licensing and regulation of shoot operators; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30633/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I intend to hold a consultation with relevant stakeholders shortly to consider concerns raised by certain organisations about the shooting of woodcock and to ensure that their views on this matter are known to my Department. There is already legislation in place banning the sale of certain wild birds such as curlew, goldeneye and gadwall. My officials will examine the views expressed in this consultation, including possible options to afford increased protection, as appropriate, to woodcock populations. I am conscious that the next hunting season for woodcock starts on 1 November and I would aim to have any necessary change in place by that time.