Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Jul 1992

Vol. 422 No. 5

Written Answers. - Hare Stocks.

Tony Gregory

Question:

82 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the fact that the hare is a protected species, he will make a statement on the reports (details supplied) regarding the scarcity of hares in this country and the need to import hares from England; and if the rapidly diminishing hare stocks will be taken into account when considering applications this year from coursing clubs for the capture of hares.

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

I am not aware that there is a shortage of hares in this country but the reports referred to by the Deputy will be investigated. The conservation status of the hare species is kept under review and will be taken into account before any decision is made to issue a licence to the Irish Coursing Club to capture live hares by means of nets.