asked the Minister for Lands if there are any proposals for tourist deer shoots in State forests; and if he will refuse to countenance any such proposals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Deer Protection.
62.
No such proposals are envisaged at present. I have noted the Deputy's interest in the matter.
Is there any particular significance in the use of the word "at present"?
The only information I have is that the Minister has indicated that he has noted the Deputy's interest in the matter. I suggest the Deputy might pursue the matter further with the Minister for Lands.
What I am concerned with is the matter of newspaper and other reports to the effect that Bord Fáilte and some other organisations were interested in organising in our State forests shoots of deer by tourists. I want to be categorically assured by the Minister that this is not the case. If he cannot do it today in his acting capacity perhaps he would have my views conveyed to his colleague. I think most people in the House would want a categoric assurance that such proposals, if they do come forward, would be turned down out of hand.
There is some supplementary information here but I regret that I have not got a proper briefing on this particular question. I understand there was an incident in Portumna last autumn where deer were shot. I gather that this was an isolated occurrence. If there is any occurrence of this nature and if guns are being used contrary to current restrictions it would be a matter for the Minister for Justice and would be investigated, if there is any evidence of it happening.
In view of the difficulty of answering in another Minister's name, which is quite understandable, perhaps if I put down another question on this matter the Chair will not rule it out of order on the basis that it has been already dealt with within the time limit?
The Chair has noted the Deputy's remarks.
63.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will introduce legislation as soon as possible to provide for the protection and preservation of deer in this country.
These matters are being fully examined in the context of legislative proposals for conservation of wildlife. The legislation is currently at drafting stage.
Is the Minister aware that we have been getting this answer about this legislation for some considerable time? I am not suggesting the previous administration were any more active in this regard than the present administration but I hope the Minister will agree it is time we had this legislation. If the comprehensive legislation is so involved and complicated, would the Minister consider bringing forward that portion dealing with deer as an interim piece of legislation?
As I have pointed out, the legislation is currently at drafting stage. It is proposed to protect the following species, Red, Sika and Fallow deer, under the new wildlife conservation legislation currently being prepared. The proposals envisage the inclusion of deer in the category of game animals with appropriate provision for open seasons.