asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will substantially increase the penalties for which a person may be liable for the committal of an offence under the Wildlife Act, 1976, and in particular the penalties that can be imposed on those who kill or maim any animal which is designated as a protected species under section 23 of the Act, e.g. seals and dolphins; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wildlife Act Penalties.
3.
The penalty levels for conviction of offences under the Wildlife Act, 1976, in relation to protected species are regarded as adequate in present circumstances. However, the various provisions of the Act, including the penalty aspects, are being kept under constant review with a view to putting forward amending proposals should such a course prove necessary.
Would the Minister not agree that the maximim criminal sanction that can be imposed for killing seals, dolphins or protected species under this legislation is a fine of £500, which in no way could be regarded as a deterrent? Would the Minister in his review seriously consider increasing the penalty provisions under this legislation in particular to extend as a possibility the sanction of imprisonment to serious breaches of the Act?
There are both monetary and non-monetary penalties attaching to offences under the Act itself. As I said, the levels of penalties are kept under constant review and the Deputy can be assured that in the event of the Department feeling, or my feeling, that the levels are not adequate, they will be increased.