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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 5

Written Answers - Wildlife Conservation.

Austin Deasy

Question:

35 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, to carry out a census of wildlife in Ireland, in particular, of endangered species; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6540/98]

I have no plans to undertake an overall census of wildlife in Ireland. However, Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, has an ongoing wildlife monitoring programme in place which carries out regular surveys on all aspects of our wildlife, both flora and fauna. Endangered or protected wildlife receive priority under this programme. If the Deputy has any particular species in mind, I will be happy to furnish him with details of research or survey data available to me in relation to such species. Also, the publication of red data books, on which Dúchas has extensively collaborated in recent years, provide a useful guide to many of the threatened species of wildlife in this country and their conservation status.

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