Vol. 500 No. 4
308 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands her views on the future of Ireland's status as a whale and dolphin sanctuary in view of the fact that the onus of protection falls on voluntary bodies and non-governmental organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4006/99]
Under the Whale Fisheries Act, 1937, I, as Minister, have power to control whaling operations in Irish exclusive fishery limits or by Irish ships in other waters. Dolphins are a protected species and receive protection under the Wildlife Act, 1976. While there are no specific facilities in place to monitor the whale and dolphin sanctuary in Irish waters, I am satisfied that any breaches of these Acts would be brought to my attention by fisheries patrols. While information in relation to any alleged hunting or fishing of cetaceans in Irish waters is welcome from voluntary bodies or non-governmental organisations, enforcement and protection is a matter for me as Minister through the legislative powers provided to me under the Wildlife Act, 1976, and the Whale Fisheries Act, 1937.
