Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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944. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way in which a group could apply for a licence to carry out a seal cull in an area where the population may be out of control; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24675/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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There are two species of seals in Irish waters - the Harbour or Common Seal and the more numerous Grey Seal. Both are included in a list of species protected under the EU Habitats Directive. Consequently, Ireland is obliged to monitor and report on their status, including in relation to their population, every six years. The most recent such report was completed in 2013 and can be accessed on the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department at

That report indicated a modest increase in the grey seal population nationally, while the data for harbour seal suggested that its numbers were stable.

The next national report is due in 2019 and my Department is undertaking a number of surveys, including aerial surveys, to provide up to date assessments for the populations of both the common and grey seals around the Irish coast. All data arising from these surveys will be analysed in advance of the next report to the European Commission.

While seals are protected under the EU Habitats Directive and the Wildlife Acts, licences may be obtained under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts to hunt seals where significant damage is being caused. Licences are issued in response to specific applications and each application is considered on its merits. This redress is available, for example, to individual fishermen to control damage to fisheries by seals at particular locations.