Vol. 431 No. 3
103 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the increase in the fox population; if he will give details of the effects such as destruction, damage, harm or health hazard the fox may have on communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department has informed me that there is anecdotal evidence that the fox population is on the increase. Foxes may constitute a danger to lambs during the lambing season and on occasion will take game birds and farm yard poultry.
I am not aware of any evidence of a health hazard to humans. Foxes are not a protected species and may be controlled where this is desirable.
