Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1332. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24990/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 12 June 2018
Ceisteanna (1332)
Freagraí scríofa
The Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Water Birds (AEWA) was developed under the UN Convention on Migratory Species. Ireland signed up to the Agreement in 2003. The agreement includes a commitment that “Parties shall endeavour to phase out the use of the "ammunition referred in Question" for hunting in wetlands as soon as possible in accordance with self-imposed and published timetables.”
My Department is aware that the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has, at the request of the European Commission, prepared a report proposing a restriction on the types of shooting within a wetland or where spent ammunition would land within a wetland. It is expected that the ECHA will forward its proposals to the Commission by mid-2018 for consideration. My Department has no specific proposals in relation to such ammunition at present and will await the final proposals from the European Commission before deciding in consultation with the various hunting organisations on any course of action which may be necessary.
I would point out that any restriction on the use of such ammunition over wetlands should not impact unduly on licensed deer hunters as wetlands are not the natural habitat of deer and it is rare for deer to be hunted over them.