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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Apr 1990

Vol. 397 No. 9

Written Answers. - Hunting Game.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

109 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Finance the meaning of the phrase (details supplied) "appropriate measures" if game species are likely to be affected by the shooting pressures of out of State shooters; and if he will give an assurance that these will not interfere with the rights of native gun club members.

As stated in my reply to Questions Nos. 104 and 105 on 7 February, 1990, 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. In this regard the primary consideration is to ensure that our populations of wild birds are not adversely affected by shooting or any other pressure having regard to the obligation to maintain their conservation status under the Wildlife Act, 1976.

If the populations of any species are threatened by any pressure, measures can be taken under the Wildlife Act to suspend or restrict shooting at national or regional level, or to impose bag limits, with a view to restoring populations to a satisfactory level. This is the sole basis for the regulation and control of hunting under the Act.
There are no provisions in the Act for selective or discriminatory measures in relation to any category of hunter.
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