Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 14 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 2

Written Answers. - Mink Infestation.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

174 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the presence of a signifi cant number of mink in the Cashen and Feale rivers and the concern which they are causing the local fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19468/98]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I am not aware of any particular problems from mink on the Cashen and Feale rivers. However, mink are not a protected species under the Wildlife Act, 1976, and there are no restrictions on, or licences required for, the control of this species under the Act.