Vol. 398 No. 6
12 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the widespread and growing problem of deer poaching in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains; and if he has any plans to protect the deer population by providing more wildlife rangers and by the curtailment of legal shooting permits.
I am fully aware of the increase of deer poaching in the areas in question. I can assure the Deputy that every possible effort is being made to stamp out this problem within the existing staffing resources available.
I will also bear this matter in mind when I am reviewing the open seasons regulations for the forthcoming hunting season.
Is the Minister of State aware that, with the increasing demand for venison, many poachers are killing to order for restaurants or hotels, finding outlets through wildlife game dealers who pay in the region of £60 to £70 per car-case; that the lamping of the deer is carried out mainly by hunters in possession of licences provided by the State? Would the Minister agree that the Wildlife Act, 1976, warrants amendment and strengthening in a number of ways including increased penalty clauses?
Certainly I am aware of the many illegal practices at present in this area. As the Deputy will be aware, there are some wildlife rangers also in the Wicklow area. However, that is not adequate to deal with the position which is steadily getting out of hand. We are examining the overall position to ascertain whether it would be possible to obtain greater co-operation from all the authorities and agencies with responsibility in this area. In regard to revision of the Wildlife Act, 1976, I should say we are at present drafting amendments which would substantially strengthen many of its provisions.
I am very disappointed that the Minister, in recognising the degree of poaching taking place and his concern about it, still reckons he can contain it with present staffing levels. Is the Minister not concerned that there is no limit to the deer that can be bagged by licensed hunters who can then offload their surpluses for £60 to £70, converting what was formerly a sport into a business? Futhermore, would he agree that there is no control over the various species killed, that is the red deer, the Sika deer or the hybrids on the mountains? Would the Minister agree that the red deer species is now threatened, should be protected, and that a quota system by way of tagging should be introduced for hunters? Is the Minister aware that red deer can be killed and bagged by hunters just as easily as the Sika deer, an endangered species which should be protected, which could best be done by issuing tags to hunters when their kills can be monitored?
We are at present carrying out a thorough examination of the whole area to ascertain how we can tighten the legislation and relevant regulations to deal with this issue. One matter in need of examination is how we can deploy staff to ensure that the regulations — strictly covered under the provisions of the Wildlife Act, 1976 — can be fully implemented. In relation to tagging, I should say we need the back-up of legislation. But it is almost impossible to reach agreement generally to have this type of legislation passed. All Members will have had experience of how difficult it is to pass legislation or regulations here which will adequately deal with poachers.
A Leas-Cheann Comhairle——
Deputy Byrne is imparting a lot of information. Normally Question Time is for eliciting information.
Would the Minister seriously consider revising Departmental staffing levels, as there has been no recruitment of wildlife rangers since 1980? Would he agree that we are now talking of decreasing numbers through natural wastage, that is by way of retirement or people leaving the service, so that animals and wildlife generally are now more endangered than they were in 1980?
This is under very active consideration. As the Deputy knows, we have the capacity under existing legislation to restrict deer hunting which is something which will be considered when the 1990-91 open season regulations are reviewed later this year. That would be a last resort. I should like to avail of this opportunity to appeal especially to responsible people interested in this sport to co-operate with us in ensuring that we stamp out illegal activities and poaching which is damaging not only deer stock but many others as well.
