Vol. 449 No. 1
95 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by a person (details supplied) in County Longford in obtaining a licence for the current partridge season; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the delay in issuing such a licence to this person has caused him financial and commercial hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3135/95]
A licence under section 22 (9) (b) of the Wildlife Act, 1976 for the 1994 season in relation to partridge was granted to the person referred to on 2 September 1994.
As regards the general policy issue regarding such licences, I should explain, as I already did in writing to the Deputy last week, that following from the transfer to me on 20 December, 1994, of statutory powers under the Wildlife Act, 1976, I am empowered under section 22 (9) (b) of that Act to grant licences for the hunting of penreared birds. Generally, these licences are confined to, or are extensions of, the period of time specified in the open season order made in relation to the same species under section 24 of the Act. The question of the time period specified in such licences is being reviewed at present and I hope to make a decision in this matter shortly so as to ensure that promoters of keepered shoots are informed of the position in good time to enable them to plan their activities for the 1995 hunting season.
