Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Tourist Shooters.

Michael Ferris

Question:

273 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the number of tourist shooters who have participated in the tourist shooting operation based in the Clogher area of south County Tipperary; the number of gun days granted; the lands over which the operation extends; the maps, if any, supplied to the National Parks and Wildlife Service; if he will give details of bag returns submitted to the National Parks and Wildlife Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14945/96]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

I wish to advise the Deputy that, as the information requested is considered personal and commercially sensitive, it has not been the practice to release such information to third parties. However, I understand that a request for similar information, made directly to the National Parks and Wildlife Service by another party some time ago, was the subject of an examination by the Office of the Ombudsman under the statutory functions of that office. Following this examination the release of relevant information in a format that addressed the interests of all parties was agreed. I am arranging to send information in a similar format directly to the Deputy.