asked the Minister for Finance the reason he has consistently opposed the principles of dedicated finance being applied to the development of game and wildlife resources, having regard to the fact that this principle, operated perhaps through a £1 increase in firearm licences, is supported by the National Association of Game Councils, the Tree Council of Ireland, the Irish Wildbird Conservancy and the Irish Wildlife Federation and it would also allow us to comply fully with EC Directive 79/409 and having regard to the fact that the rod licences are now a precedent for dedicated finance.
Written Answers. - Game and Wildlife Resources Funding.
59.
All receipts from the sale of licences provided for under any statute are lodged to the account of the Department or statutory body named in the legislation covering the issue of such licences. In the case of firearm licences, receipts are lodged to the account of the Department of Justice. Rod licence receipts are lodged to the account of the appropriate regional fisheries board as provided under the Fisheries Acts.
Funds for wildlife conservation and development are provided for under the financial allocation to the Office of Public Works. It is not possible under existing legislation to transfer receipts for firearms licences from the Department of Justice to the Office of Public Works.