Vol. 509 No. 4
300 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, she has to provide funding in the forthcoming budget provisions to the Irish Seal Sanctuary to allow its continued operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20260/99]
I refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions No. 21 of 7 Bealtaine 1998, No. 305 of 8 Nollaig 1998, No. 312 of 16 Feabhra 1999, No. 308 of 9 Márta 1999 and Nos. 213 and 215 of 6 Deireadh Fómhair 1999 regarding funding by my Department for the organisation concerned. I acknowledge the commitment and work of the members of the Irish Seal Sanctuary in relation to the welfare, rescue and care of seals. However, my primary responsibility under the Wildlife Act, 1976, is for wildlife conservation and in the case of seals, relates to ensuring the protection and conservation of the species. However, the care of individual seals is an animal welfare matter for which I have no function under the Wildlife Act, 1976. I regret, therefore, that there are no plans to make provision in the forthcoming budget for the funding of the Irish Seal Sanctuary.
