Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2016
394. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that permits that have been granted to a person to shoot an animal have been sold on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39610/16]
View answerUnder the Wildlife Acts, there are various hunting activities which are licensed by my Department, including the hunting of deer. Deer hunting licences are issued by my Department on an annual basis to individuals to hunt deer during the Open Season. The annual Open Season during which deer can be legally shot under licence generally operates from 1 September to 28 February, depending on the species and gender of deer. Some 4,600 deer hunting licences have been issued by my Department in 2016 to date. Licences are granted to a particular individual and are non-transferable and may not be sold. Investigations by my Department have not, to date, uncovered evidence regarding the reselling of any license. If, however, the Deputy wishes to forward any specific information he may have, I will be glad to have the matter given further consideration.
