asked the Minister for Justice whether his attention has been directed to the conviction in the Cork District Court of a game dealer charged with having for sale, during the first week in August last, 396 hares, in addition to plover and other wild fowl; whether he is aware that the game in question was alleged to have been killed and offered for sale in the close season; that, owing to the scarcity of hares consequent on poaching and other illegal killings, the coursing clubs in County Cork are unable to carry through this season's programme; that grave concern is felt because of the alarming increase in poaching, snaring and netting of hares; and, whether in the circumstances, he is prepared to make an Order under the Game Preservation Act, 1930, for the purpose of prohibiting permanently the killing or taking of hares in any part of County Cork, except to such extent as may be permitted by the Order; or, alternatively, as an immediate measure whether he is prepared to seek powers to prohibit the export of hares from this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Game Preservation in County Cork.
I am aware that a game dealer in Cork was convicted recently of keeping for sale, during the close season, 396 hares and some feathered game. I am not in a position to state when the game was killed.
I have no information as to whether the activities of the coursing clubs in County Cork have been affected by a scarcity of hares. The information at my disposal goes to show, however, that neither in County Cork nor in any other part of the country, is there any danger of the stock of hares being seriously depleted, and, accordingly, I am not prepared to make a Hares Protection Order under Section 7 of the Game Preservation Act, 1930, nor am I prepared to seek powers to prohibit the export of hares.
Was the Department not approached long ago by various coursing clubs asking to have such an Order made? If the Minister reads the newspapers is he not aware that quite a number of coursing meetings have been abandoned because of the scarcity of hares?
Is the Minister aware that hares are being killed all over the country and that advertisements appear in the newspapers offering them for sale at 3/6 each? It is very easy to kill hares with snares placed in gaps. I think the Minister should take steps to make an Order prohibiting. the killing and export of hares, because another industry is affected, as enormous prices are being paid for dogs.
The Deputy may not make a speech.
What conceivable objection can the Minister have to the making of an Order prohibiting the export of dead hares which is, in every respect, an evil practice and in other respects a damaging one? Will the Minister now consider making such an Order?
Mr. Boland
From the information at my disposal there seems to be no danger from the export of dead hares. I have information from all over the country. If I get other information, that there is necessity for such an Order, I will reconsider the matter.
It is easier to kill a hare than it is to kill any other wild animal.
If representations are made to the Minister by responsible bodies, will the Minister consider the making of an Order?
Mr. Boland
I shall consider it, but I do not promise to make it.
Were not such representations in fact made long ago?
Let us make more.
As regards the questions which have not been reached, replies will be published in the Official Report of the Debates unless Deputies expressly desire to have the questions repeated on the next sitting day.