Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 4

Written Answers. - Shooting of Wild Birds.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

104 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that sporting agencies in Britain are offering tourist shooting days of which the norm is claimed to be bags of 40-80 woodcock and snipe; whether such a level of exploitation is compatible with the wellbeing of those species; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

105 Mr. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Bord Fáilte circulates a list of 24 shoot promoters which states that with one exception there are no bag limits, having regard to the fact that the majority of shoots specialise in shooting irreplaceable migratory species; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 105 together.

I have had no confirmation of any such claims by sporting agencies in Britain. In any event, I am not prepared to comment on the accuracy of advertising claims made by such agencies which operate outside the jurisdiction of the State.

Bag limits for shooting by hunters resident in and outside the State are not a requirement under the current open seasons order for shooting wild birds. They are therefore optional on the part of individual shoot operators.

The impact of all hunting of wild birds is monitored and reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Wildlife Service of the Office of Public Works. This is to ensure that the exploitation of wild bird species does not adversely affect their conservation status having regard to the requirements of the Wildlife Act, 1976. If the population of any game species is likely to be adversely affected or threatened by the impact of shooting or other pressures, appropriate measures may be taken under the Wildlife Act to deal with the matter.

I am keeping the overall situation under constant review. I am satisfied that the Wildlife Service is fully aware of the situation and that there is no danger to our valuable wildlife.