Vol. 514 No. 4
92 Ms Coughlan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will carry out a survey on the number of seals in the north west coast; and whether a cull is being considered in view of the serious concerns being expressed by the fishermen. [4578/00]
As the House will be aware I have no direct function in relation to population surveys of seals which are a protected species under the terms of the Wildlife Acts administered by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. In particular, I have no authority or remit in relation to the culling of seals. Culls may be undertaken only on the basis of statutory permits issued by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
That being said, I would be concerned at any excessive losses incurred in Irish fisheries due to predation by seals. In this regard, an EU-funded project to study the diet of seals is being undertaken by UCD. It is hoped that the results, which are expected to be available shortly, will provide greater information on seal diet, migration patterns and impacts on fish stocks. I have arranged for the findings of the report to be submitted in due course to my colleague the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.
