Vol. 402 No. 5
72 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider alternative arrangements for the processing and issuing of foreshore and wildfowl licences in view of the backlog of work in this area in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
73 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Finance the number of applications for foreshore and wildfowl licences which have been received in his Department for this year; the number which have been dealt with; the number which has issued; the number which were refused; the average period taken to process each application; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together.
The wildlife service of the Office of Public Works administer applications for permissions to hunt over foreshore, inland waters and accretions belonging to the State. Approximately 320 applications have been received this year. To date 287 permissions, under section 30 of the Wildlife Act, 1976, have been issued this year. Approximately 30 applications are with local management staff for examination. This examination would cover, for example, suitability of applicant, whether the lake in question is a State lake or is a wildfowl sanctuary or nature reserve. The average period for processing each application is three to four weeks. One application has been refused this year. I am satisfied that the existing arrangement for processing these applications is working satisfactorily and I have no plans to consider alternative arrangements.
