Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 April 2016
542. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if hares are a protected species; the steps she takes to protect this species and prevent poaching; to whom incidents of poaching should be reported; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7614/16]
View answerHares are a protected species under the Wildlife Acts. There is, however, an Open Season for hare species, which extends from 26 September to 28 February of the following year and allows for the hunting of hares.
My Department is aware of the existence of some illegal hare hunting around the country and there have been a number of successful prosecutions taken in recent years by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department in this regard. Incidents of illegal hare hunting should be reported to An Garda Síochána or to the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department.
