asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will allow farmers and other persons to destroy badgers on sight, in view of the fact that it has been proven that they are carriers of animal diseases.

I am advised that investigations have shown that the badger does not play any significant part in the spread of animal diseases. In the circumstances, an alteration in the status of the badger, which is a protected species under the Wildlife Act, 1976, is not envisaged but the situation will of course be kept under review.

I thought it was an established fact that the badger was the cause of spreading brucellosis. In view of that would the Minister reconsider his decision and allow the farmers to shoot badgers?

My information is that the Department of Agriculture are of the opinion that, while badgers can transmit bovine TB to cattle, they are not major carriers of the disease. If it was established that badgers were responsible for the infection of cattle in any area appropriate steps, including killing if considered necessary, could with the Minister's permission be taken to deal with the problem. In other words, if it can be established that the transmission of a disease is through badgers in an area, steps can be taken to have that rectified.

Is the Minister aware of the consequences of the spread of brucellosis as well as bovine TB? It is generally considered that these diseases are transported and carried by badgers. Therefore, will the Minister's Department co-operate with the Department of Agriculture in a survey checking out whether the badger is a carrier?

That would be a matter for the Department of Agriculture and my Department. If I were to give the Deputy an affirmative answer now I would be pre-empting a decision by the Department of Agriculture. I will draw the matter to the attention of my Department who in turn, no doubt, will contact the Department of Agriculture.

In relation to the shooting or otherwise of badgers or any other animal, is that a matter for the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry?

When dealing with protective species under the Wildlife Act, 1976 the Minister can permit under licence for any purpose approved by him and specified in the licence the killing of any animal.