Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 4

Written Answers. - Seal Population.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

84 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern among fishermen at the increase in the seal population around our coast; if any scientific study has been carried out or is planned on the extent of the problem; the plans, if any, he has to alleviate the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Dempsey)

A committee comprising representatives of Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Department of the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Office of Public Works has been set up as a seal working group to evaluate the seal situation in general because of the concern among fishermen at the increase in the seal population. This is due mainly to an increase in the Scottish population.

Seals are a protected species under the Wildlife Act, 1976, and it is an offence to hunt or kill them, save under licence or permission under the Act. The best scientific advice available indicates that culling is not an effective method of preventing seal predation of fishery catches. Such a cull would in any event have to be carried out on seals in Scotland.

There is a remedy available to fishermen in that they may apply for permission under section 42 of the Wildlife Act to kill seals which are causing actual damage to their nets. Any such application will receive proper attention.