Seals are protected under the Wildlife Act and their habitats require protection under the EU Habitats Directive.
In the winter months, officials of my Department responded to information received from the Irish Seal Sanctuary and others on dead seals on the Waterford and Wexford coasts. As set out in my reply to PQ Number 379 of 26th of February 2013, these deaths were investigated by my Department.
My Department has not had recent reports of significant seal deaths. Departmental officials working in coastal areas remain vigilant and will continue to work closely with other law enforcement authorities in such situations.