Vol. 569 No. 3
400 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the Government's views on the reasoned opinion of the European Commission that the hunting season for woodpigeon contravenes a ban under the EU wild birds directive on hunting during breeding periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17410/03]
A reasoned opinion has been received from the European Commission that Ireland, in allowing for hunting of the wood pigeon during its breeding season, does not comply with the terms of Articles 5 and 7(4) of the EU Birds Directive 79/409/EEC. Under the terms of Article 9 of the birds directive, Ireland has for many years operated a derogation to allow the control of wood pigeon by farmers and their agents in the interests of preventing serious damage to arable crops including cereals, legumes and brassicas. In addition, a hunting season for the wood pigeon from 1 June to 31 January of the following year was put in place as a further control measure. The wood pigeon can breed during extensive parts of the year, so it can be difficult to apply a season which falls entirely outside the breeding periods.
While there has been no evidence that the conservation status of the wood pigeon has declined as a result of the length of the current hunting season the Irish authorities have, in response to the reasoned opinion, indicated that we intend to shorten the hunting season so that it will fall within the strict terms of the birds directive. I will be seeking to ensure that the measures which may legitimately be used by the farming community under the terms of the birds directive to prevent damage will continue to be provided for in national regulations.
