Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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There are large numbers of feral goats (Capra hircus) across Ireland with newly escaped/released animals joining existing herds on a regular basis. There does not appear to be justification for the extension of protected status to feral goats under the Wildlife Act at this time.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is undertaking a project to review and update wildlife legislation. This is an extensive review and is a multi-year project. It is examining closely the effectiveness of our legislation in protecting wildlife and regulating activities that adversely impact on wildlife and biodiversity. A public consultation process will commence soon and all submissions in relation to the hunting of the species referred to will be carefully considered.