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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 May 1942

Vol. 86 No. 16

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Netting of Plover.

asked the Minister for Justice whether, in view of the need for the production of the maximum quantity of food, he will now introduce proposals for legislation to enable persons to net plover to supplement the food supply.

The reply is in the negative.

Is the Minister aware that plover are migrant birds who only come here for a short period, that a substantial amount of employment was given in the netting of plover, that that employment is not now available and that that food is lost to this country? In view of these considerations and having regard to the fact that the country is deluged with plover during the plover visiting season, will the Minister reconsider the matter with a view to making an emergency Order permitting the netting of plover by certain registered netters?

Mr. Boland

This matter was discussed at length when the Game Preservation Bill was under consideration. I understand that these birds are most useful and that, due to netting, they were almost extinct. The Dáil passed the Bill with its eyes open and I think that more harm would be done by allowing the birds to be netted than the amount of good which might result from amending the Act.

Is the Minister aware that the Taoiseach promised a substantial delegation, engaged in the netting of plover, that one of the first acts of the Fianna Fáil Government would be the repeal of this odious, anti-working-class legislation passed by the Cumann na nGaedheal Government and that the Taoiseach himself and other members of the Fianna Fáil Party voted against the provisions of this Act?

Mr. Boland

It was a free vote and the figures were 73 to 45.

Does the Minister think that when he is free he does irresponsible things?

Mr. Boland

It is more in the public interest that this Act should remain in force than that it should be repealed or amended.

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