asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware of the fact that hundreds of persons who formerly found a livelihood in the netting of plover were deprived of their livelihood by the provisions of the Game Preservation Act, 1930, which prohibited the netting of plover; and whether in view of the serious hardships imposed on the persons concerned and the fact that the plover are migrant birds which come to Éire during the winter months, he will introduce legislation to amend the provisions of the Act so as to enable such persons, especially during the emergency situation, to resume their former means of livelihood.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Netting of Plover.
The matters referred to in the question were fully considered when the Game Preservation Act was before the Dáil, and subsequently when requests were made for the introduction of amending legislation. I am not prepared to introduce legislation on the lines suggested by the Deputy.
Is the Minister aware that in 1929 in company with the then Deputy de Valera, Deputy Derrig, Deputy MacEntee and Deputy Lemass he went into the Division Lobby in favour of permitting the netting of plover to continue, and will he try to reconcile that vote with the inconsistent attitude he now adopts?
Will the Minister consider switching these people over to rabbits and do a lot of good?