Vol. 410 No. 6
54 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Finance whether he is considering authorising an official seal cull as called for by a person (details supplied); if he will ensure that no such cull is permitted; and if he will outline the Government's position on the matter.
I do not propose to authorise an official seal cull off the north-west coast.
Seals are a protected species under the Wildlife Act, 1976, and it is an offence to hunt or kill them save under licence or permission under the Act. The best scientific advice available indicates that culling is not an effective method of preventing seal predation of fishery catches. Accordingly, I am not prepared to issue a licence for such a course of action.
There is, however, a remedy available to fishermen in that they may apply for a permission under section 42 of the Wildlife Act to kill seals which are causing actual damage to their nets. Any such application will receive prompt attention.
