Vol. 511 No. 1
160 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she is prepared to grant an exemption for foxes and rabbits in view of the fact that section 38 of the Wildlife Act, 1976, will be amended by section 46 of the new Wildlife (Amendment) Bill, 1999, as it will have serious consequences for sheep farmers during lambing season and damage crops; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23838/99]
161 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties posed by the introduction of the new section 51 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill, 1999, which amends section 44 of the Wildlife Act, 1976, and the consequences of this amendment for hunting and hunters; the effects that this proposed amendment has on the Occupiers' Liability Act, 1995, where assurances were given by her Department at meetings on 19 February 1997, 4 March 1997 and 7 July 1997 that section 44 would not be amended; and if she will honour the commitments given. [23839/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 161 together.
My Department conducted extensive consultations with interested parties prior to, and following, publication of the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill, 1999. While I cannot accept that assurances of the nature referred to by the Deputy were given by my Department, I acknowledge that particular concerns in regard to sections 46 and 51 of the Bill have been brought to my attention since its publication. Issues relating to a number of other sections of the Bill have also been raised.
I am examining all of these issues in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General.
