Vol. 486 No. 1
721 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands her views on the submission from the Environmental Investigation Agency Limited regarding the level of international concern at the Irish Government proposal to lift the world wide moratorium on commercial whaling. [1268/98]
I am aware of the claims made on behalf of the Environmental Investigation Agency Limited, or EIA, regarding the level of international concern in relation to the proposals put forward by Ireland for discussion at the International Whaling Commission meeting in Monaco in October last. I have in previous replies to questions in the House — No. 3 of 23 October 1997, Nos. 340 to 344, inclusive, and 346 of 2 December 1997 and Nos. 228 to 237, inclusive, of 17 December 1997 — explained and elaborated on these proposals in some detail. These proposals were put forward in the context of a situation whereby the number of whales taken has increased from 383 whales in 1992 to 1,043 whales in 1997 and the figure is expected to increase again this year. The proposals seek to address this deteriorating situation by ensuring less whales are killed and that any whaling that does take place is closely regulated.
I share some of the concerns which have been raised by the EIA and will certainly ensure that these are taken into account in any deliberations or discussions on the proposals. However, I do not accept their claims regarding the level of international concern given that their submission reflects only one aspect of international views on these proposals. I am informed that some of the organisations named as supporting the EIA have not agreed to endorse the EIA's position. I note that Greenpeace, the World Wildlife Fund and the International Fund for Animal Welfare have stated that firm action is required to bring current whaling operations under control and the Humane Society of Canada has welcomed the proposals as a serious initiative attempting to resolve a difficult situation. International press comment has also endorsed our position and New Scientist has stated: “If environmentalists are serious about wanting to stop whales from being killed, and if they want to look sensible and scientific about doing so, then this is a deal that they should be embracing”. I also understand that a spokeman for the EIA has stated that the proposals if implemented would provide for an improvement in the conservation status of whale populations of their principal objection related to the difficulties in the enforcement of a regulatory regime established to monitor any agreement.
