Billy Timmins
Ceist:23 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will consider banning the shooting of ducks and other wildlife from high-powered boats. [3439/02]
Written Answers. - Wildlife Protection.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the shooting of ducks and other protected wildlife from high-powered boats is already banned and an offence under section 36 of the Wildlife Act, 1976. This section prohibits the use of mechanically propelled vehicles, aircraft and vessels, including powered boats, whether propelled or stationary, in hunting. I am pleased that this provision has been strengthened further by section 44 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000, which I introduced and brought through to enactment. The section extended the protection to all wild animals and all wild birds and not just protected wild animals and protected wild birds. In exceptional circumstances, a licence may be granted by me under the Wildlife Acts, 1976 and 2000, for educational, scientific or other purposes as are specified in the licence. I encourage anyone who has evidence of illegal hunting from a high-powered boat to inform local conservation staff of Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department.
Question No. 24 answered with Question No. 20.