asked the Minister for Lands if he will make arrangements whereby the Forestry Division of his Department will destroy all foxes in plantations adjacent to sheep farms; if he will give details of experimental control measures being operated by his Department to date; and if he will seek the views of the county committees of agriculture on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fox Control Measures.
9.
(Cavan): Experimental control measures undertaken by my Department earlier this year resulted in the destruction of some 90 foxes. Further, as I have stated on previous occasions, my Department will co-operate in locally initiated schemes for eradication of foxes and will facilitate entry on its lands by people having a bona fide interest in the destruction of foxes. In addition I am prepared to have any further proposals or suggestions from interested organisations sympathetically considered by my Department.
The Deputy's suggestion that the Department should destroy all foxes in plantations adjacent to sheep farms, even if it were possible, would be quite prohibitive in cost.
Is there a bounty for the fox?
(Cavan): I understand that some counties operate such a bounty. I am not sure whether all of them do.