Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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36. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps she will take to address the effects of an increase in illegal hunting on rural communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45953/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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My remit in this matter relates to the species protected under the Wildlife Acts and under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. All bird species are protected and animals such as badgers, deer, otters, bats and hares are also protected.

Officials of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department monitor compliance with the Wildlife Acts and the European Community (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 across the country on an on-going basis and carry out patrols and site visits to enforce the various provisions of these Acts, as much as possible. They also investigate reports of breaches of the Acts with a view to initiating prosecutions where there is sufficient evidence to support same. Members of An Garda Síochána are also empowered under the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities legislation to investigate alleged offences and to prosecute if they see fit.

Officials of the NPWS are aware of the impact that illegal hunting, especially badger baiting and hare lurching, is having on some local communities. My Department is working closely with An Garda Síochána in relation to wildlife crime. Earlier this year, the NPWS organised a Wildlife Crime conference at which a number An Garda Síochána Officers attended. The NPWS and an Garda Síochána are currently developing closer and more formal liaison arrangements for sharing of information and intelligence and the carrying out of joint operations in relation to wildlife crime.