Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:14 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the measures he proposed to take to prevent the indiscriminate shooting of song birds and migratory birds by foreign tourists during the shooting season.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Wildlife Protection Measures.
The protective provisions of the Wildlife Act, 1976, prohibit the shooting of any species of wild bird which is not covered by the annual open seasons regulations. Any person found to be shooting birds which are not covered by the open seasons provisions will be prosecuted.
In view of the fact that reports are coming in from various gun clubs that the laws are being abused, especially by foreign tourists, I would like to ask the Minister what steps he proposes to take to prevent the present uncontrolled and indiscriminate shooting of our song birds and migratory birds? I would also ask the Minister to explain why Bord Fáilte, although they state that the average tourist will shoot less than four birds per visit, advertise in foreign brochures that the norm is 40 to 50 birds?
Although we received claims from time to time from some regional game councils — and from the National council — that songbirds and others are being subjected to severe hunting pressures by these out of State hunters, there is no evidence to substantiate the claims. Field staff in the Wildlife Service are constantly monitoring the situation. The wildlife rangers also constantly monitor the situation and all gun clubs are authorised under statute to initiate proceedings against people infringing the regulations and orders. We have no other real evidence to substantiate the claims made.
Will the Minister outline the number of prosecutions which have been made under the Act?
I do not have that information but if the Deputy puts down a separate question I will get it for him. The numbers are very limited, the claims have been sporadic and are usually made after the events are supposed to have taken place. It is very difficult to get details of specific cases where prosecutions can be brought. As I said, we have instructed the Wildlife Service and the wildlife rangers employed by the State to monitor the situation. Very severe penalties are involved as we can confiscate their gear and guns and revoke their licences.
Because of the seriousness of the problem judging from feedback, is the Minister prepared to increase the number of people working in this area and monitoring the position? Will he also indicate how many people are working in this area at the moment?
That seems to be a separate question.
We can reiterate to the staff of the Wildlife Service, our own staff and the gun clubs, who have a very deep interest in this, that we are still getting these complaints. If the Deputy — or any other Member — has a specific complaint I will have it investigated fully. Unfortunately, even though we hear reports about this there is no real evidence to substantiate the claims.