asked the Minister for Lands the action he proposes to take to increase the stock of game birds.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Game Birds.
19.
(Cavan): As the Deputy is no doubt aware, game development is an important feature of the on-going activities of my Department.
For several years generous financial support, coupled with appropriate technical advice, has been provided by the Department to assist the game development programme carried out by the national network of regional game councils.
A substantial part of this programme consists of the rearing and release of game birds—mainly pheasant and mallard—to augment wild stocks. This process is also helped by the inclusion in the schemes of habitat improvement and predator control.
In addition research on game species is undertaken by or under the aegis of the Forest and Wildlife Service and the game development potential of State forests is exploited as far as practicable.
All of these activities serve to increase the available game resources.
Has the Minister had any reports about how scarce game are during the present season?
(Cavan): I have not. My Department are keeping in close touch with the regional game councils. We work in conjunction with them. We have not received any complaints in recent times that there is a shortage of wild birds.
When will we get the Wild Life Bill?
Sin ceist eile.
(Cavan): I am sure the Deputy will be glad to know that it is with the printers.