asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that 58 of the 408 species of birds still existing in the nine member states of the EEC are threatened with extinction and that 221 of these bird species are showing a drop in numbers every year and only 125 species are maintaining their numbers or increasing; whether species becoming increasingly rare include white storks, ospreys, vultures and certain small song birds like red spot and butcher birds while pigeons and sparrows are becoming more numerous; if the Government have signed or intend to sign the two basic international conventions on bird protection; and whether the Government will sign and adopt an international convention signed in Washington governing wild bird protection.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bird Protection.
23.
(Cavan): My primary concern is for indigenous and migratory species. My information is that there are no serious problems in regard to populations of these species—apart from the peregrine falcon which, however, has recently shown signs of recovery.
Regarding the two basic international conventions on bird protection namely, the Paris and Ramsar Conventions, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a question on 10th April, 1975.
The Washington Convention was signed by Ireland, subject to ratification, on 1st November last. This convention is concerned with international trade in endangered species of wild flora and fauna generally.