Enda Kenny
Question:67 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if he will authorise a supervised legal cull of seals off the west coast in view of the predicted effect upon salmon stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Seals Cull.
I do not propose to authorise a supervised cull of seals off the west coast.
Seals are a protected species under the Wildlife Act, 1976, and it is an offence to hunt or kill them save under licence or permission under the Act. The best scientific advice available indicates that culling is not an effective method of preventing seal predation of fishery catches. Accordingly, I am not prepared to issue a licence for such a course of action.
There is however a remedy available to fishermen in that they may apply for a permission under section 42 of the Wildlife Act to kill seals which are causing damage to their nets. Any such application will receive prompt attention.