Vol. 318 No. 8
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the danger of extermination of the fox if the present commercial exploitation of the animal is allowed to continue and the action he proposes to take in the matter.
190.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware that foxes are in danger of extinction due to wholesale killing for export, and the steps being taken to put an end to this killing which to a large extent is illegal under section 53 of the Wildlife Act, 1976.
191.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the results of his predecessor's investigation of monitoring the export trade of fox skins, and the action he is taking in the matter.
192.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the number of fox skins exported under licence since August 1979, and if he will give an estimate of the current annual export figures.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I will take Questions Nos. 189 to 192, inclusive, together.
While I am aware of the increased demand for fox skins for export there is no evidence to suggest that the species is in danger of extermination. However the extent of the trade is being monitored under export licensing regulations introduced by my Department in August 1979.
Since August 1979, 43 licences have been issued for the export of a maximum number of 59,359 fox skins. As the period of validity of most of these licences has not yet expired it is not possible at present to indicate the number of skins actually exported pursuant to them or what further action might require to be taken in the matter.
