asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that game dealers are offering prices as high as 30/- each for pheasants; and whether, in view of the danger of these prices leading to wholesale and indiscriminate slaughter of game, he will take steps to restrict or prohibit the sale of game.

I have no power to prohibit or restrict the sale of game. The export of pheasant, partridge and grouse, however, is prohibited by Order under Section 27 of the Game Preservation Act, 1930, save under permit from a superintendent of the Gárda Síochána.

I presume that the dealers who are offering these high prices for pheasants are doing so with the intention of exporting the birds. I have had instructions issued to all superintendents of the Gárda not to grant any further permits for the export of pheasant, partridge or grouse during the present season, except for any birds which dealers may have on hands at present. I hope that this may relieve the situation.