Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Feb 1999

Vol. 499 No. 5

Written Answers. - Seal Welfare.

Enda Kenny

Question:

68 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has responsibility for injured and distressed seals in view of the fact they are marine creatures; his position in this matter following the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 113 of 16 December 1998 and Parliamentary Question No. 392 of 27 January 1999; his views on the request lodged by the Irish Seal Sanctuary in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3145/99]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

Seals are a protected wildlife species under the terms of the Wildlife Acts. This legislation is administered by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands and my Department has no direct function in relation to the protection of this non-commercially exploited species. I should add however that the Marine Institute has ongoing contacts with the Irish Seal Sanctuary and facilitates access to its programmes where appropriate.