M. J. Nolan
Ceist:27 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he will reintroduce national funding for vermin control in view of the recent increase in the vermin population. [6377/95]
Written Answers. - Vermin Control Measures.
I understand the Deputy's question refers to game development grants which were introduced in 1961 and paid to regional game councils and affiliated gun clubs with a view to assisting them with local game development programmes entailing the rearing and releasing of game birds, mainly pheasant and mallard, the establishment of local sanctuaries, habitat improvement works and some educational projects. The objective was to, hopefully, provide a surplus of game stock which would provide hunting for tourists. The surplus did not materialise, however, and the grants were withdrawn, in 1983. I have no proposals to re-introduce them at this time.
I recently received a deputation from the National Association of Regional Game Councils and discussed with them, inter alia, the questions of pestvermin control and game development and the funding thereof. I advised the association that I would consider any proposals they wished to put to me in these matters.