Limerick TD Niall Collins asks why a hunter's licence was delayed
13 October 2015

Fianna Fail TD, Niall Collins, has intervened on behalf of a disgruntled hunter to investigate why there was a delay in issuing him with a hunting licence. The pro-bloodsports Limerick TD considered the matter so important that he elevated it to Ministerial level.

In a 22 September Dail Question aimed at Arts and Heritage Minister, Heather Humphreys, Collins asked "the reason for the delay in the issue of a deer hunting licence for a person in County Limerick; when it will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter."

In her response, the Minister assured Collins that "a deer hunting licence was issued to the person concerned on 16 September 2015."

In the past, Niall Collins has complained about the ban on the Ward Union carted stag hunt, asking "will the government be introducing legislation to reverse the ban?". In 2008, he called for the urgent granting of hare coursing licences and said ICABS "don't understand and value the traditional and cultural elements of this greyhound sector [coursing]." He has also moaned about a Minister "scaring people in coursing clubs and shooting clubs".

The latest figures from the Department of Arts and Heritage show that in 2013, a total of 4,563 deer hunting licences were issued by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Despite the NPWS being "stretched to the limits" due to a lack of funding, hunters are issued the licences free of charge. The cost of processing and issuing the licences is covered by the taxpayer.

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