asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware of the extent of the destruction of lands by foxes in the Kilgarvan area of County Kerry and if he is aware that the majority of the foxes involved use the local forest for "cover"; whether he will allow local sheep farmers to shoot the foxes; and if not, the proposals his Department have to eliminate this serious problem.
Written Answers. - Land Destruction by Foxes.
32.
I am not aware that the number of foxes in Kilgarvan Forest or indeed in State forests generally is such as would warrant special control measures by my Department. However, as I indicated in reply to a previous question by the Deputy on 14 December last, the Forest and Wildlife Service will be disposed to co-operate in any local schemes for the eradication of foxes on its properties and will consider sympathetically any suggestions from organisations or people having a bona fide interest in the destruction of foxes.