Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 June 2012
452 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures he plans to put in place to protect endangered wildlife such as the golden and whitetail eagles, following the deaths of a number of eagles due to poisoning which is in breach of legislation introduced recently here following a directive from the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26232/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to of a number of poisoning incidents involving reintroduced birds of prey, such as golden eagles and the white tailed eagle, my Department published the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) (Restriction on Use of Poison Bait) Regulations 2010, which made it an offence for a person to use any type of meat, fish, egg or other animal substance as bait to poison or stupefy birds or animals, or in a manner likely to poison or stupefy, except under licence by my Department.
My Department is continuing with its investigations into two recent killings, as well as working with the Garda Síochána, farmers, shooting interests and environmental groups to reduce the incidence of poisoning, whether deliberate or accidental.
I consider such poisoning incidents as occurred recently to be completely unacceptable. They are damaging to our wildlife, to our reputation in countries which have allowed us source eagle chicks from their native stock, to tourism-related business in parts of the country where such business is especially important, and to the image generally of Ireland's healthy countryside. I urge all stakeholders to work with my Department in seeking to avoid the recurrence of such incidents in the future.
