Vol. 481 No. 4
217 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands her views and her Department's policy in relation to blood sports in Ireland, particularly fox hunting, hare coursing and carted stag hunting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16444/97]
The Deputy will be aware that as Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, I have a number of regulatory and licensing functions under the Wildlife Act, 1976. Section 26 of the Act includes primarily licensing of a number of traditional hunting practices not involving firearms, two of which are hare coursing and stag hunting.
In January last, my predecessor requested the Heritage Council to undertake a review of licences issued under section 26 of the Act. The council has completed the first stage of the review and is now proceeding to address some of the issues raised in the submissions received by it on the matter.
Pending receipt of the final report of the council, licences will continue to be issued in the normal way, subject to the appropriate conditions.
As regards fox hunting the position is that foxes are not a protected species under the Wildlife Act and, therefore, I do not have a licensing or regulatory responsibility in relation to fox hunting.
