Theresa Ahearn
Ceist:89 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Finance the steps he intends to take to ensure that the protection of irreplaceable migratory birds is ensured; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Migratory Birds.
A number of measures are in place, both nationally and internationally to conserve migratory birds.
The Wildlife Act, 1976, protects all wild birds throughout the State.
The EC Directive on the conservation of wild birds, No. 409 of 1979, establishes a system of general protection for all wild birds throughout the member states of the European Community. This directive is implemented in Ireland under the provisions of the Wildlife Act.
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, known as the Bonn Convention, and established in response to a United Nations Resolution, was ratified by Ireland in 1983. The aim of the convention is to protect endangered or threatened species of fauna which migrate between different states.
Of prime importance in the maintenance of populations of migratory wild birds is the preservation of their habitats. The overall objective is to create a network of national parks, nature reserves, refuges for fauna and wild fowl sanctuaries which is representative of all habitat types. A number of these have already been established and progress continues. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance as Waterfowl Habitat, known as the Ramsar Convention, was ratified by Ireland in 1984.
Hunting of migratory game species is reviewed each year with regard to the conservation of that species by means of the open seasons order made under the Wildlife Act, 1976. If scientific evidence suggests that a particular game species is under threat it will be removed from the open season list.
I am satisfied that comprehensive efforts are being made to conserve migratory species in Ireland.