asked the Minister for Justice whether he has issued any licences for the shooting of hen pheasants, and, if so, if he will state (a) the number of such licences issued, (b) the terms of each licence, and (c) the name of the person to whom each licence was given.

The Commissioner Garda Síochána has informed me that, in the interests of the improvement of stocks, permits to shoot hen pheasants have been issued to 33 persons by local superintendents in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 (4) of the Game Preservation Act, 1930. At the moment I have not sufficient information to enable me to give the full particulars requested, but I will communicate the information to the Deputy as soon as possible.