Vol. 501 No. 6
308 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 68 of 4 February 1999, she has responsibility for legislation in respect of the Wildlife Acts; if seals are a protected wildlife species under these Acts; if so, the extent of her responsibility for injured and distressed seals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6606/99]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 312 of 16 February 1999. Under the Wildlife Act, 1976, for which I have responsibility as Minister, seals are a protected species. My primary responsibility under that Act is for wildlife conservation and in the case of seals relates to ensuring the protection and conservation of the species. However, the care of individual seals is an animal welfare matter for which I have no function under the Wildlife Act, 1976.
