Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 6

Written Answers. - Seal Population Study.

Enda Kenny

Question:

90 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if he will initiate an immediate survey and study of the seal population of the Iniskea Islands off the north Mayo coast; the estimated tonnage of fish consumed on an annual basis by such seal population; the proposals, if any, he has in relation to the estimated seal population; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

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

The Commissioners of Public Works have no plans to have a survey and study of the seal population of the Iniskea Islands undertaken and they have no proposals in relation to this population of seals. The estimated tonnage of fish consumed on an annual basis by such population is not known to them.

Seals are a protected species under the 1976 Wildlife Act and it is an offence to hunt or kill them, save under licence or permission under the Act. I am aware of calls by some fisheries organisations for a seal cull in Irish waters because of concern expressed at an apparent increase in the seal population here and the effect this, among other things, is having on some Irish fish stocks. This increase is due mainly to the migratory/breeding habits of such species, the majority of which originate in Scottish waters and such a cull, if it were to be undertaken, would have to be carried out there. There is a remedy available to fishermen in that they may apply for permission, under section 42 of the 1976 Act, to kill seals which are causing damage at and to their nets. Any such application will receive prompt attention.

Because of this concern by the fisheries' interests a working group, chaired by the Department of the Marine, with representatives from that Department, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Central Fisheries Board, the Fisheries Research Centre and the Office of Public Works was set up to consider and quantify seal interactions with fisheries. I understand that the working group expects to furnish a report later this year.