Jimmy Deenihan
Question:36 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance his views on reports of the commercial exploitation of migratory game birds in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Migratory Game Birds.
I take it that the Deputy is referring to allegations that migratory species are being over-exploited by tourist hunters.
There are approximately 77,000 native hunters and 3,800 hunting licences were issued to out-of-State hunters last year.
A breakdown of the latter figure and details of their hunting interests follows. As the Deputy will see only a percentage of these come here for shooting of migratory species such as snipe and woodcock. It would appear that the present level of tourist shooting does not represent a threat to the convention on migratory species.
The following measures are in place to monitor commercial shooting:
(1) Tourist shoot promoters have to submit details of their shooting rights to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). These are then assessed for gun day capacity and hunting licences are granted or refused with reference to these assessments.
(2) Game bag returns have to be submitted by each promoter at the end of the season. In addition the NPWS Rangers regularly check shooting parties and inspect game bags. An analysis of both bag returns and spot checks carried out last season revealed an average of three birds per gun day which is not excessive. This is an important procedure in monitoring the wise use of game resources by commercial enterprises.
In addition hunters must hold a valid firearms certificate and hunting licence and have permission to shoot from the landowner or the holder of the shooting rights. Notices are issued to all out-of-State hunters advising them of the general Irish hunting situation and the penalties applicable for contravention of the Wildlife Act, 1976. Complainants should report any alleged breaches of the Wildlife Act immediately to the gardaí or an authorised person under that Act. Persons convicted of offences face firearms seizure and fines up to £500 under the Wildlife Act, 1976.
Hunting Licences issued in 1993 in respect of out-of-State Hunters.
|
Hunting Type Commercial (C) Non-Commercial (N/C) |
Nationality |
Hunting Licences |
Main Hunting Interests |
|
N/C |
Northern Ireland |
679 |
Majority shoot with gun clubs or have permission of landowner (non-commercial). |
|
N/C & C |
United Kingdom |
412 |
Two main groups: (1) Returning relatives (non-commercial). |
|
(2) Clients of driven shoots for Pheasant (non-migratory species) (commercial). |
|||
|
C |
France |
1,737 |
Rough shoots — mainly Snipe and Woodcock. Most promoters have forestry leased for Woodcock shooting (commercial). |
|
C |
Italy |
663 |
Pigeon shooting over grain during the summer months (commercial). |
|
N/C & C |
U.S.A. |
80 |
Two main groups:(1) Returning immigrants. |
|
(2) Clients of driven shoots (Pheasant) (commercial). |
|||
|
C |
Germany |
96 |
Clients of driven shoots Pheasants (commercial). |
|
C |
Others |
189 |
Mainly driven shoots (e.g. Sweden, Netherlands) (commercial). |
|
Total |
3,856 |