Seán Sherlock
Ceist:323. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8996/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 17 February 2021
Ceisteanna (323)
Freagraí scríofa
Both species of seal in Irish waters - the Harbour or Common Seal and the more numerous Grey Seal - are protected under the EU Habitats Directive and Ireland is obliged to maintain their populations at favourable conservation status. We are also required to monitor these species and report to the European Commission on their conservation status. A standardised monitoring programme has been in place for both since 2009.
The latest population estimates available to my Department indicate that there are approximately 8,000-10,000 grey seals and about 5,000 harbour seals in Ireland. These animals are spread around the Irish coast with the largest populations occurring along the west coast from the Blaskets in Co. Kerry to north Mayo and Donegal.
I absolutely deplore the unlawful killing of any protected animal.Seals, and grey seals in particular, are wide ranging animals. The Irish animals are known to move between Scotland and north-west France. In turn, animals from the large seals populations in Scotland migrate into Irish waters to feed. There are over 100,000 grey seals in Scotland.
From the details provided, we are continuing to examine this matter. Until we can get greater clarity around what has happened in this case, and indeed when and where the animal died , it would not be appropriate for me to speculate as to any course of action. In the meantime, I would ask the public to continue to report incidents of potential wildlife crime, including that against seals, to their local Ranger at the National Parks and Wildlife Service.