asked the Minister for Lands if he is satisfied with the existing arrangements for the protection of Irish deer.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Deer Protection.
16.
(Cavan): I am aware that arrangements for the protection of deer are inadequate and I hope to remedy the situation in new legislation which is currently at drafting stage.
Is there any truth in the suggestion that applications were made on behalf of groups of foreign tourists to shoot deer in forests under the Minister's control?
(Cavan): No. No such applications have been received and no such arrangements have been made.
Have any such shoots taken place?
(Cavan): No. My information is that they have not.
Can the Minister assure me that such a shoot did not take place some months ago in Portumna?
(Cavan): I understand that two or three deer were shot in Portumna a few months ago. I am informed that that particular shoot took place because one of the forestry employees there misunderstood the position and gave permission to a gentleman to bring in two friends and allowed them to shoot. That has now been investigated and orders have been given to ensure that there will be no repetition of this. I can assure the Deputy that that was not in accordance with the policy of the Department of Lands and was an isolated incident.
What protection is there at the moment?
(Cavan): There is no protection other than the Larceny Act.
The Minister has indicated that proposals are at a draft stage. I understand that the proposals are enshrined in a comprehensive piece of legislation. In view of the urgency of the situation in regard to deer, would the Minister consider bringing forward that portion of the legislation which deals with deer before this House at an early stage, even if he has to wait some time for the major piece of legislation?
(Cavan): I am making every effort to get the Bill before the House. I am hopeful it will not be unduly delayed. I would not propose to bring it before the House piecemeal.
Apart from the legislation, has the Minister any proposals for positive action apart from the conservation measures which would be enshrined presumably in the legislation? Has he any proposals in his Department for the establishment of deer herds or for the protection of those which exist under his control at the moment?
We must reach finality on this question.
(Cavan): I can assure the Deputy that in so far as State forests are concerned foresters have been taking all practical steps to prevent poaching. A comprehensive instruction has been circulated to foresters as to how they should deal with poachers pending introduction of the legislation.
Question No. 17. I have given the Deputy a lot of latitude.
In view of the appalling chaos of the Government legislative programme is there any hope of getting this Bill this year?
(Cavan): I think we will be able to put an end to the chaos being created by the Deputy's party in the very near future.
(Interruptions.)
(Cavan): I am making every possible effort to bring this Bill into the House.
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 17.