Wildlife Protection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 September 2022

Tuesday, 20 September 2022

Questions (275)

Joan Collins

Question:

275. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to help halt the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) by applying the Precautionary Principle and ordering an immediate cessation of all shooting and hunting including driven shoots; if he is of the view that at this critical moment, every effort must be made to eliminate all risks to wild birds, many of whom are already under threat and categorised as amber and red-listed. [45819/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I am deeply concerned about the impact that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza may have on our wild seabird populations. My Department officials are in regular contact with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM) in relation to the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and they are keeping the situation under very close review. The Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine has responsibility for avian influenza testing in Ireland. NPWS has also been liaising with counterparts in the UK, and has been briefed on outbreaks there and measures being implemented.

Should the situation deteriorate, then my Department will review all possible options to mitigate that with the experts in the DAFM.