asked the Minister for Lands whether it is intended to set up a body, analogous to the Inland Fisheries Trust, to control the shooting of game and the destruction of vermin.
25.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Control of Shooting of Game and Destruction of Vermin.
24.
asked the Minister for Lands whether it is proposed to put under State control the regional game councils at present being formed; whether Bord Fáilte Éireann have been given the sole right to form councils without taking sporting bodies or holders of game rights or unlimited firearms licences into consultation; and if he will make a statement on the method of establishment of the councils.
I propose with the permission of the Leas-Cheann Comhairle to take Questions Nos. 24 and 25 together.
The voluntary rural organisations known as regional game councils are not subject to Departmental control and the Government have not taken any decision in connection with the establishment or control of these councils or with the setting up of a body to control the shooting of game and the destruction of vermin.
Is the Minister aware that a number of regional game councils have entered into financial commitments as a result of a promise made by a Bord Fáilte representative that, for every £1 they paid, Bord Fáilte would make £1 grant available and will he state the position in that connection?
I have read Press reports to the effect as stated by the Deputy. The Deputy will appreciate that I am not responsible for Bord Fáilte. I am aware of what the Deputy has stated from Press reports.
I do not want to press the Minister but is he aware that there is growing uneasiness amongst the members of these game councils, which were formed in the West of Ireland some time ago, with regard to finance? In view of what I have already suggested to the Minister, could he indicate in the near future whether financial assistance will be made available to these councils?
I cannot give any indication at this time. As far as I know, all these councils are voluntary bodies. In some instances they have got financial help from their local county committees of agriculture. In other instances I understand they have been in receipt of a certain amount of financial help from Bord Fáilte. I should say that I welcome the development taking place and the fact that organisations based on the country are coming up in this connection. I should say that before I am in a position to make any submissions on this matter to the Government I want to see this development proceeding to cover the whole of the country, if possible.
May I say that I was ruled out of order when I submitted a question to the Minister for Industry and Commerce in connection with a statement alleged to have been made by a Bord Fáilte representative that, for every £1 raised or collected by the regional clubs, Bord Fáilte would subscribe another £1? I have been precluded from raising that question with the Minister for Industry and Commerce. In view of the fact that the present Minister— and rightly so—has taken an interest in the development of these game clubs, could he now indicate that Bord Fáilte, as a statutory body, will see that the promise made by this official will be carried out?
I regret that I am not in a position to answer that question.
If Bord Fáilte cannot make a financial contribution to the funds of these organisations, could the Minister make representations to his colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, to permit the importation of live grouse for the purpose of increasing stocks?
That seems to be a separate question.
There are many things I should like to do and that is one of them.
It is something that should be done and which would be beneficial.