I am not aware nor have the regional fisheries boards reported to me that predation on fishstocks by wild mink is a cause of major and urgent concern.
There have been complaints by eel fishermen about damage done by mink. Overall, however, the advice to me by the regional fishery boards is that, while there are mink populations in all the regions, they are not considered to be a serious threat to fish stocks in general. If the Deputy has particular local information available to him I would be glad to have the matter investigated by the relevant fisheries board. If necessary a scientific assessment of the extent of mink predation and possible control measures could be undertaken. This would be a matter primarily for the Wildlife Service of the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht.
I am advised that mink is not a protected species under the Wildlife Act and as such a licence is not required to carry out a cull. Anyone may hunt and trap mink by any means which is permitted under existing regulations of the Wildlife Act. The extent to which culls or other control measures are required remains to be proven.