Trevor Sargent
Question:219 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will consider a total ban on badger snaring during the critical period of January to May. [25140/01]
Written Answers. - Badger Numbers.
Closed seasons are normally a requirement for hunted species whose numbers would otherwise be endangered. The only regions in Ireland where badger numbers have been significantly reduced are those comprising the four area project – part of counties Donegal, Monaghan, Cork and Kilkenny – and in east Offaly. While my Department's research suggested that there was no need for a closed season in the light of the reduction in badger numbers, nevertheless, in consultation with Dúchas, it was decided to introduce a three month close season – June to August – in the four area project and this is a condition of the licence. I have no proposals to extend these arrangements. The main strategic focus of my Department's current research programme relates to the assessment of the disease contribution of the badger to bovine disease levels and the development of a vaccine for badgers which should obviate the need for their removal in the future.