While I am responsible for wildlife conservation in Ireland, and specifically for maintaining the favourable conservation status of species naturally occurring in the wild my role in relation to game management-propagation is concentrated on deciding on open seasons for huntable species and licensing hunting to ensure that wild, naturally occurring species are hunted in a sustainable way. All gamebirds are protected under the Wildlife Act, 1976 and may not be hunted save during a limited open season. Dúchas – the heritage service of my Department is not engaged in restocking for any of the species listed on the open seasons order. Restocking of certain species, particularly pheasant and mallard is carried out by gun clubs and by the National Association of Regional Game Councils.
A range of initiatives is in place to promote the conservation of game species which are subject to pressure. Grey partridge is now close to extinction and my Department has provided major support to a grey partridge research and conservation project. Dúchas has from time to time offered advice to game interests who are interested in developing strategies for the propagation of game species.
It is expected that the conservation of the habitat of these species will be improved by the designation by my Department of large areas of land as special areas of conservation, special protection areas, natural heritage areas, under both EU and domestic legislation. Measures such as the rural environment protection scheme promoted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, other agri-environment measures and changes in policy relating to afforestation of peatlands. will further benefit these species.
Neither I nor my officials have met the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation on this matter in recent years.