Vol. 568 No. 1
698 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if all hares were released into the wild following the coursing meeting monitored by a conservation ranger in Powerstown Park, Clonmel, on 5 February 2003; if not, the reasons given and the action taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15162/03]
All 131 hares used at the national coursing meeting, which took place at Powerstown Park, Clonmel, between 3 and 5 February 2003, were released to the wild. Some 79 of these releases took place on 3 or 5 February at 11 different locations. The balance of 52 hares were released on 19 February at seven other locations.
My Department is satisfied that the conservation objectives of the hare capture licence issued to the Irish Coursing Club were met by these arrangements. My Department will also, however, in the context of any future such licences, underline the requirement of timely release of hares to the wild following the conclusion of the coursing meeting.
