Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 1992

Vol. 415 No. 1

Written Answers. - Possession of Dead Swan.

Theresa Ahearn

Ceist:

155 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to (1) a serious incident involving an Italian tourist shooter at Dublin Airport on Saturday, 17 November, 1991 and (2) the fact that on this date the Italian tourist was found to be in possession of a dead swan and was departing on Flight 502 for Rome; if he will outline (a) the steps, if any, his Department are taking on this matter and (b) the proposals he has to prevent a recurrence of this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I am aware of newspaper and other reports that on Saturday 17 November 1991 an Italian tourist shooter allegedly had in his possession a dead swan prior to departing for Rome on flight 502.

I am advised by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Office of Public Works that neither the Gardaí at Dublin Airport, Aer Rianta, Aer Lingus, Alitalia Ireland nor the Special Branch Immigration can confirm that this incident occurred. No witness has come forward.

The National Association of Regional Game Councils have advised national parks and wildlife service that they are aware of a witness to the alleged incident but that the witness does not wish to become embroiled in a public controversy.

It is an offence under the Wildlife Act, 1976 to kill a swan (except under a licence issued by the National Parks and Wildlife Service) and where there is evidence of anyone doing so they will be prosecuted. However, we cannot proceed without such evidence.