Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 2

Written Answers. - Magpie Population.

John Gormley

Ceist:

826 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if the magpie population has increased significantly in the past ten years; if the increase has had a detrimental affect on other bird populations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20904/01]

John Gormley

Ceist:

827 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the circumstances under which a magpie cull would be deemed necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20905/01]

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

I propose to take Question Nos. 826 and 827 together.

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his Parliamentary Question No. 481 of 1 May 2001 which dealt with the issues raised in these questions and the position remains unchanged.