Vol. 494 No. 4
372 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands her views on the current legislation relating to the keeping of cetaceans in captivity; whether there are any circumstances in which her Department would allow public or private commercial interests to do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18359/98]
Whale and dolphin species are protected wild animals under the Wildlife Act, 1976, and also receive protection under the Whale Fisheries Act, 1937. Any person seeking to import cetaceans into Ireland would have to comply with the provisions within Countil Regulation (EC) No. 338/97 — on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein — for the movement of cetaceans between countries — which is strictly limited. Such a person would also be required to comply with the licensing requirements for the importation of such species under the Wildlife Act, 1976 (Control of Importation of Wild Animals and Wild Birds), Regulations, 1989. Within these statutory parameters, any application for the importation of a cetacean, or the keeping of a cetacean in captivity, would fall to be considered on its merits in consultation with other relevant Government Departments in relation to such matters as the control of infectious diseases. I would find it difficult to envisage such applications being granted except in very exceptional circumstances.
