Vol. 511 No. 4
96 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the controls, if any, applying to the level of breeding of falcons and other birds of prey; if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of those involved in pigeon racing that the population of these birds has become too large; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24696/99]
The Wildlife Act, 1976 (Birds of Prey) Regulation, 1984, provide that no person may possess birds of prey or use them for falconry other than in accordance with a licence granted by me as Minister. The Wildlife (Amendment) Bill, 1999, will extend these controls to additional related species and will make specific provision that no person may engage in breeding of birds of prey without a licence.
The national breeding population of peregrine falcons was estimated at approximately 350 pairs when last surveyed in 1991. Numbers are considered to be at an historically high level due to the observation of protective measures set out in national and EU legislation. The problem may not be so much that the population has become too large, for the species is still scarce in overall terms, but rather that a small proportion of the population nesting near urban areas and along racing pigeon flights can become a problem.
While I appreciate the concerns of racing pigeon enthusiasts, the Deputy will appreciate that peregrines and other birds of prey remain protected under national and EU legislation.
