asked the Minister for Finance the action, if any, he is taking as a result of the barbaric killing of badgers, a protected species, which was reported to have taken place recently in Belgooly, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The alleged incident referred to by the Deputy is being fully investigated at present. Officers of the Wildlife Service are liaising with both the Garda and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on the matter. I can assure the Deputy that I will do all in my power to ensure that anyone found to have been engaging in this extremely cruel activity will be prosecuted with the full rigour of the law, and I condemn out of hand the practice of badger baiting.

(Limerick East): Has the Minister a badger count for the whole country and a regional distribution of that?

I am afraid I have not that information at my disposal.

(Limerick East): Do the Minister's Department not keep figures for protected species?

That is a separate question.

Yes, we have a good idea but, as the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be possible to have an exact number. That question was not asked and I have not got that information available. If it was available I would make it available to the Deputy.

Is it in order for Deputy Noonan to badger the Minister?

(Limerick East): I am not in the High Court now. Can the Minister provide me with that information?

If it is available I will make it available.