Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2011
346 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to reports from animal welfare groups that a group (details supplied) continues to hunt deer in direct breach of the new provision of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010; the action he will take to deal with this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28160/11]
View answer347 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if, in view of the fact that gardaí in both Ashbourne, County Meath and Swords, County Dublin, Garda stations have refused to investigate reports that a group (details supplied) is hunting deer in contravention of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2010, claiming ignorance that such a law has been passed; if he will circularise all Garda stations in north County Dublin and County Meath to the effect that it is now an offence to hunt deer with two or more hounds as per the conditions contained in the above mentioned Act. [28162/11]
View answer348 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will give an assurance that should An Garda Síochána receive information the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010 is being contravened, it will pursue the matter and prosecute for any infringement of this important animal protection legislation. [28163/11]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 346 to 348, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of the allegation of illegal hunting referred to by the Deputy. The incident remains under investigation. I am further informed that at no time did members of An Garda Síochána refuse to investigate this matter. Information on the provisions of the Wildlife Act 1976 and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010 has been circulated to Garda personnel.
