I propose to take Questions Nos. 538 to 540, inclusive, together.
All whale species, including their habitats, are protected under the Wildlife Acts and the EU Habitats Directive. This legislation is enforced by of the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht whose officials, I understand have worked with various bodies including the local authority, the Garda Síochána and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group in order to alleviate the suffering of the beached whales. My Department has liaised with and has issued a burial licence to the Environment Division of Donegal County Council in respect of the burial of the carcasses.
With regard to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, my Department has, in recent years, provided funding to the Group to assist its work in promoting best practice in marine tourism and whale-watching in Ireland and with conservation of cetaceans, including whales in Irish waters. The Group has recently produced a welfare policy document which will be of interest to my Department and the various other government Departments and agencies involved with the Whale and Dolphin Group.