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Parliamentary Questions and Answers
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Question 1093 - Answered on 26th September, 2007
Eamon Gilmore: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the fact that the stags hunted by a hunt (details supplied) in County Meath are farmed domesticated deer, and therefore not wild, he will withhold the issuing of a licence in 2007 under the Wildlife Act 1976 permitting stag hunting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Ref No: 19828/07. Written Reply. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Gormley): Section 26(1) of the Wildlife Act 1976 provides that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government may grant to the master or other person in charge of a pack of stag hounds, a licence authorising the hunting of deer by that pack, during such period or periods as is or are specified in the licence. I sought and obtained advice from the Attorney General as to the view that this section might not apply to domesticated deer. The Attorney General has confirmed that Section 26 provides for the licensing of hunting for deer by stag hounds irrespective of whether the deer are wild or captive-bred. I am awaiting further information in relation to a licence application for the coming season and will be making a decision on the matter in the coming weeks.
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