Roger T. Garland
Question:11 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Finance whether he intends to issue otter hunting licences this year; and whether he will consider the total banning of the issuing of such licences in the future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Otter Hunting Licences.
Under the Berne Convention on Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats which Ireland has ratified, the otter has been placed in the category which specifies that it be afforded, as an endangered animal in Europe, the highest protection possible. It was decided, therefore, not to issue hunting licences last year. While a final decision has not been taken in the current year as no request for the granting of a licence to hunt was received until this week, it is likely that the ban will continue.
While I am pleased at the Minister's reply may I ask him why can he not make an immediate decision on this application? This application, which I am glad he admits has been made, has caused considerable disquiet and concern among groups such as the Irish Council Against Blood Sports. Could the Minister not be decisive for once and say "no, we do not want any otter hunting this year, next year or any other year" so that these people will not be kept on a string for two or three weeks? Can the Minister say when this application will be dealt with? How many days will it take before it is turned down flat, which I hope it will be?
I am delighted Deputy Garland is pleased with my response. The decision not to issue licences was taken by the Government last year. Therefore, the question of making any other decision did not arise until this new application came to hand. That application only came to hand during the past week. While it has not yet been considered as I have already indicated, it is most unlikely that a licence will be granted.
I ask the Minister if the otter will, to use his words, be afforded the highest protection possible? Is it not a contradiction to have licences available for otter hunting? Would it not be logical for the Government or the Minister to abolish licences once and for all?
As I have already indicated, a decision was taken last year, it has not been repealed and it is unikely to be repealed this year. I understand the purposes of Deputy Garland's question was to obtain information in relation to a particular application and I hope I have satisfied the Deputy in that respect.