Vol. 509 No. 5
50 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has received a submission from the Irish Seal Sanctuary requesting grant aid to develop a seven acre coastal site; and, if so, if he will give details of his response to this request. [18690/99]
As the House will be aware I have no direct function in relation to seals which are a protected species under the terms of the Wildlife Acts administered by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.
In so far as the seal sanctuary is concerned I am fully aware of the work being carried out by that organisation and of its funding requirements. However, in view of the current statutory responsibility in respect of seals, there is no funding provision available to my Department which would assist the development of the proposed site. As indicated in previous answers to questions on this matter I should add that the Marine Institute has ongoing contacts with the Irish Seal Sanctuary and facilitates access to its programmes where appropriate.
