asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware of the widespread destruction of the fox population; and the steps, if any, he proposes to take to rectify the matter.

I am aware of an increase in demand for fox skins, which is the cause of the problem referred to by the Deputy. I am preparing proposals for the regulation and control of the export trade in fox skins.

Is the Minister not going to send the foxes to Europe?

We want to protect the fox species which is in danger at present by controlling the export of pelts which has become over-done in the commercial sense in the past.

Are these mongrel foxes?

Order, please.

I was just telling the Minister that we are not short of mongrel foxes in Fianna Fáil.

That phrase has been patented by Fine Gael and will live forever as such in Irish political history.