Vol. 488 No. 5
99 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been draw to the scientific findings of the Bateson report which produced evidence that deer pursued by hounds become terrified; the implications, if any, this has for stag hunting in this country in view of the fact that this resulted in Britain's National Trust banning all stag hunting from its land. [6719/98]
100 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Northern Ireland Ministry for Agriculture has requested the County Down Stag Hunt to terminate its hunting activities, on the basis that stags reared in captivity become domesticated; the implications, if any, of this development for the County Meath based Ward Union Stag Hunt; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6720/98]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 99 agus Uimh. 100 le chéile.
The practice of carted stag hunting in Ireland is licensed under section 26 of the Wildlife Act, 1976. The Deputy will be aware that the Heritage Council is currently reviewing the issue of licences under this section of the Act and I look forward to receiving its final report in due course.
