Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Feb 1992

Vol. 416 No. 2

Written Answers. - Predatory Foxes.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

80 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has any proposals to assist the farming community in dealing with the problem of foxes on their land which interfere with their livestock and consequently their income, in view of the fact that the use of strychnine is banned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. N. Treacy)

The fox is not a protected species under the Wildlife Act, 1976 and may therefore be lawfully killed at any time using traps approved under the Wildlife Act, 1976, (Approved traps, snares and nets) Regulations, 1977, or legally held shotguns.

The exact population of foxes in Ireland is unknown but it is believed that the population has increased in recent years probably due to a decline in hunting.

As of now I have no plans to re-introduce a bounty for foxes as existed previously. Adequate means are available to farmers to protect their stock from attacks by wildlife, including foxes.