Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2004
20 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the Council of Europe proposal that a European charter on hunting be drawn up as a guide, setting out common principles and good practices for hunting; and his views on such a proposal. [29214/04]
View answerI am aware of the Council of Europe proposal referred to and that the European Commission is also considering the development of a charter on sustainable hunting under the birds directive. My Department is responsible for making the annual open seasons order and also for the issue of hunting licences to individual hunters under the provisions of the Wildlife Acts 1976 and 2000. Accordingly, I support any measures that would contribute to good hunting practice and encourage hunters to respect nature and approach hunting with respect for environmental and sustainability considerations.
