asked the Minister for Lands whether public funds are being expended on mallard research; if so, how much; if the bird is protected by legislation; if he is aware of the considerable damage caused to mallard by oil pollution in the Dodder at Ringsend, Dublin; and if remedial action will be taken in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mallard Research.
54.
The Department of Lands has commissioned An Foras Talúntais to carry out a programme of research on mallard duck. Since the project was initiated in 1966, a sum of £13,332 has been expended.
Mallard are legally classified as game-birds and, as such, are afforded protection by law. This protection includes provision for an annual close season during which the taking and killing of this species is prohibited. The period of protection in the current year was 1st February to 31st August, the close season which has been customary for some years now. I am not aware of any damage caused to mallard by oil pollution on the River Dodder. Some 340 birds of various species—including 80 mallard—were inspected last week on the stretch of the river between Ballsbridge and Ringsend and were seen to be fully healthy and oil-free.