I propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 293 to 295, inclusive, together.
The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010 made it an offence to hunt a deer with two or more dogs, unless such activity was specifically permitted under section 42 of the principal Act. My Department has received legal advice that the practice of running a deer to set a course, catching it up and then releasing hounds and commencing the following of the scent is not hunting as defined in the Acts.
Officials of my Department carry out patrols and site visits to enforce the Wildlife Acts and will continue to do so. They will also continue to investigate all reports of breaches of the Acts. Members of An Garda Síochána are also empowered under the Acts to investigate alleged offences and to prosecute, if they see fit. My Department has investigated reports of illegal hunting in the case referred to by the Deputy but concluded that a prosecution would not be warranted on the evidence available.