Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 10 May 1990

Vol. 398 No. 6

Written Answers. - Otter Hunting.

Roger T. Garland

Ceist:

27 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the hunting of otters, in particular by otter hunting clubs; the restrictions which are placed on these clubs; the conditions for hunting otters; the criteria for granting these licences; the notice required to be given prior to the otter hunt taking place; if his attention has been drawn to the increasing numbers of people who find the hunting of otters objectionable; and if he is considering any changes in the law in this regard.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

32 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance if it is his intention to issue otter hunting licences again this year; if he will end this practice since the otter is now a protected and endangered species; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

48 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance if it is his intention to issue otter hunting licences again this year or if he will end this practice as the otter is now a protected and endangered species; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 32 and 48 together.

The Wildlife Act, 1976 gave protected status to the otter and other wild birds and mammals. The Act also provided for the continuation of traditional otter hunting under licence from the Minister (section 26).

The otter is classed as an endangered animal in Europe. Ireland is its last remaining stronghold. Under the Berne Convention on conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats which Ireland has ratified, it receives the highest possible category of protection. Contracting parties to the convention are obliged inter alia to prohibit all forms of deliberate capture and killing.

The Government decided on 27 March 1990 that otter hunting licences should not be issued this year under the Wildlife Act, 1976.