Vol. 325 No. 8
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the steps he will take to prevent a recurrence of the shooting accident on the weekend of 22-23 November 1980 in which a person was killed by a deer-hunter; if he will consider banning shooting in State forests, at least at weekends, in order to protect walkers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
197.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will review the conditions governing the issuing of licences for hunting deer to ensure that adequate safety standards in relation to human life are observed at all times.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I will take Questions Nos 196 and 197 together.
I have directed the Forest and Wildlife Service of my Department to undertake a review of arrangements for game shooting and particularly deer stalking at State forests. I have, in the meantime, as a precautionary measure suspended all licences to hunt deer on State forest lands.
Hunting arrangements on State forest lands are kept under review and many areas have already been declared no shooting areas. In many other areas including the forest at which the accident occurred, the licence required that twenty four hours notice of the intention to shoot should be given by the licensees.
