Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 July 2020
38. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress that has been made with regard to implementing a strategy to combat systemic harm and poisoning of under-threat birds of prey; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17399/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2018 are the primary statutes designed to afford protection to the various species in the State and which set out the framework for dealing with wildlife crime. In addition, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 include provisions affording strict protection to a number of species and habitats.
Wildlife crime takes many forms and includes persecution of badgers, illegal hunting of deer species, illegal hunting of hares, trapping of wild birds for illegal trade, wilfully disturbing or destroying the eggs or nests of wild birds and poisoning of raptor species.
Within my Department, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has responsibility for the protection and conservation of Ireland’s natural heritage, including species protection and biodiversity at national level. There are currently 71 conservation rangers stationed around the country who deal with enforcement matters under the Wildlife Acts.
Their work includes the monitoring of compliance with national and European law in relation to nature conservation and wildlife crime across the country. The team also conducts patrols and site visits to enforce the various provisions of national and EU legislation and investigate reports of breaches of legislation. My Department works closely with An Garda Síochána who are also specifically empowered under the Acts to investigate alleged wildlife crime offences and to prosecute as it sees fit.
In relation to the poisoning of birds of prey in particular, the Deputy may be aware of the death of some 22 buzzards by poisoning in West Cork earlier this year. This is the subject of an ongoing and active investigation by my Department.
My Department has provided funding for satellite tags for research on the movements of some of the introduced birds of prey and also hen harriers and these have provided important information on poisoning. In addition, my Department publishes a Raptor Protocol which is a collaborative approach between my Department, the Regional Veterinary Laboratories, and the State Laboratory to systematically determine the extent to which human actions (for example poisoning, persecution, disturbance, collisions, etc.) are threats to Ireland's native birds of prey. My Department issues an on-line report annually providing records, information and analysis of mortality and persecution of birds of prey.
I am committed to ensuring that we continue our actions to tackle wildlife crime including incidents such as the killing of buzzards in Co Cork and to working with other agencies, including An Garda Síochána and the I.S.P.C.A to counteract these illegal activities.
