Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:
425. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of reported breaches of wildlife protection legislation in each of the past five years involving illegal hunting, coursing, or the use of dogs to kill or injure protected wildlife; the enforcement actions taken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service or other authorised bodies; and whether the Minister has assessed the effectiveness of existing penalties as a deterrent. [11429/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is currently undertaking an important project to update wildlife legislation. This includes the Wildlife Act 1976, the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and significant regulations made under these provisions. The project is examining closely the effectiveness of legislation in protecting wildlife and regulating activities that adversely impact on wildlife and biodiversity. A review of the penalty system is under way and forms a central part of this project.
The information held on any reported breaches of wildlife legislation in the past five years involving illegal hunting, coursing, or the use of dogs to kill or injure protected wildlife is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
The NPWS is building on its joint protocol with An Garda Síochána who have powers and functions to enforce wildlife legislation similar to the NPWS and in providing mutual support on wildlife crime issues. Citizen reporting is also an essential element in safeguarding nature and helping prevent wildlife crime. I would urge the public to report suspected wildlife crimes to An Garda Síochána or the NPWS. Contact details for the NPWS are on its website: www.npws.ie
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Orders.
Wildlife crime, including illegal hunting and the use of dogs to hunt or injure protected wildlife, is treated as a very serious matter by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). Such activities may constitute breaches of the Wildlife Acts, as well as obligations arising under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 designed to protect wildlife species.
Combatting wildlife crime is a core part of the work of NPWS in delivering on its mission to protect nature. To strengthen enforcement and coordination, a dedicated Wildlife Crime Directorate has been established within NPWS. The Service adopts a multi-faceted approach that combines enforcement activity with community engagement, awareness raising and education initiatives.
In line with international best practice, NPWS also works through a multi-agency enforcement approach where appropriate. Investigations and operations are undertaken in cooperation with An Garda Síochána, Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Revenue Commissioners, among others, as relevant.
From NPWS records currently available, 419 reports relating to alleged breaches of wildlife protection legislation involving illegal hunting, coursing, or the use of dogs against wildlife were recorded between 2020 and 2025. These reports include allegations of breaches of wildlife legislation as well as notified incidents examined by NPWS.
Not every report investigated ultimately constitutes a confirmed breach of the legislation. Outcomes may include proceeding with a full investigation, a recommendation for prosecution where there is sufficient evidence, ongoing site monitoring and referrals or cross-compliance with other government departments or State bodies or An Garda Síochána.
Where protected species such as birds of prey have died in suspicious circumstances, NPWS will arrange forensic examination and toxicology testing to determine whether the cause of mortality. These examinations assist investigations and may help identify potential breaches of Wildlife legislation including the Restrictions on Use of Poison Bait Regulations 2010.
Operational responses by NPWS where activities such as illegal hare hunting or coursing, badger baiting, illegal deer hunting were reported include locally targeted patrols and surveillance in areas where wildlife crime is suspected. NPWS has also undertaken joint operations with An Garda Síochána, including patrols and checkpoints across a number of counties in recent months, aimed at detecting and deterring illegal hunting and other wildlife offences.
As indicated in my previous reply, NPWS is currently undertaking a project to update wildlife legislation with a review of the penalty system being a central part of this.
