Godfrey Timmins
Question:80 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the measures he is taking to prevent the slaughter of songbirds such as happened in County Wicklow in recent times.
Written Answers. - Killing of Songbirds.
Tony Gregory
Question:120 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the action, if any, he is taking following the recent killing of a large number of songbirds in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 120 together.
I am aware of media reports of a large number of songbirds being found dead in County Wicklow recently. I understand that the gardaí in Arklow are in possession of three sacks of dead birds and are investigating this matter as are the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Songbirds are protected species under the Wildlife Act, 1976. I consider the illegal shooting of songbirds to be a serious matter.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has over 50 wildlife rangers employed throughout the country and indeed last year four additional rangers were employed in Wicklow. Their duties include enforcement of the provisions of the Wildlife Act, 1976. Any person, who has information in regard to illegal shooting of songbirds should speedily inform the local wildlife ranger and gardaí in the area concerned, so that they can investigate the matter immediately, before the alleged offenders leave the area. The National Parks and Wildlife Service will prosecute any person, who is found illegally shooting songbirds.