asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that regional gun clubs throughout the country are making a concerted effort to increase all game stocks by the elimination of all kinds of vermin detrimental to game; and in view of the fact that substantial numbers of game are destroyed by farmers using kill-crow and other poisons during seeding time if he will have action taken to prohibit the use of these poisons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Destruction of Game: Prohibition of Use of Poison.
47.
I am aware that a campaign is being conducted by some bodies throughout the country towards the elimination of vermin in the interests of game preservation.
As regards possible damage to game from the use of poison by farmers during seeding time, I must say that there are no reports reaching my Department which would suggest that substantial numbers of game are being destroyed in the manner suggested in the Question.
If the Deputy cares to furnish further details of the extent to which he is aware that such damage is taking place, I may ask my Department to make enquiries, but I want to emphasise that such enquiries would be entirely without prejudice to the basic fact that the interests of agriculture must remain supreme.