asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he has got any reports on the efficacy of measures to protect hawks; and if he has had representations from the Irish Hawking Club.
Written Answers. - Protection of Hawks.
617.
Cavan-Monaghan): All birds of prey, including hawk species, are protected under the Wildlife Act, 1976, and may not be hunted or taken without a licence. While I have not received a specific report on the matter, I have no reason to doubt that the protective provisions of the Act in regard to hawks and other protected species are being effectively enforced.
The making of regulations under the Act regulating the taking, possession, display, breeding and use in falconry of birds of prey is under consideration. In that context the views of the Irish Hawking Club have been obtained.