asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he has given or intends to give any licence for the importation of game birds for breeding purposes; and, if so, to whom.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Game Birds.
23.
I have not up to now given any licence for the importation of game birds for breeding purposes. A number of applications for licences for such importations have been received by my Department and are being considered.
Is the Minister aware that grouse stocks in Donegal and many other counties failed in the past and are practically extinct? Is he further aware that many birds cross the sea from Great Britain and that the incidence of fowl pest is not affected one way or the other by them and therefore will he not take these facts into account and issue licences?
I am not concerned with game preservation, but I have a responsibility to prohibit, which has been the practice of the Department for reasons of fowl pest and otherwise, the importation of birds and if they are to be imported, it is the veterinary section of my Department which will prescribe the conditions.
Is it not true that migratory birds and even seagulls fly across from Scotland to Northern Ireland and the Republic and that these birds in many cases are rotten with fowl pest, so that the importation of game birds and game birds' eggs is safe?
The Deputy is making an argument against a practice which has been in operation here for many years and it has been in operation because of the advice tendered to my Department by those people who would be expected to know what is the line of safety to be followed.