Trevor Sargent
Question:57 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance if he will declare the fox a protected species; and whether there is evidence to justify the classification of the fox as vermin under the terms of the Wildlife Act, 1976.
Written Answers. - Protection of Species.
The fox does not have protected species status under the 1976 Wildlife Act. Decisions as to whether a species should be so protected are a matter for the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht. I understand the Minister has no such plans at this stage.
With regard to the second part of the Deputy's question, I am not aware of such classification under the 1976 Act.