I urge the Government to outline its position on the EU lead ammunition proposal. This is the proposal to take lead out of ammunition, which could have a negative effect on 150,000 licensed shotgun owners in Ireland. There seems to be a problem in government in identifying which Minister and Department is actually going to be responsible for this. I would like a bit of effort to be made in that regard because rural stakeholders deserve to know what position Ireland intends to take before any decisions are made that could have significant negative consequences for firearm owners, farmers and sporting interests across the country. I know this is of particular interest to the National Association of Regional Game Councils of Ireland. These people represent real people on the ground. They are very responsible licensed gun-holders. What is being proposed by the EU is nonsensical. I would like to know what our position will be and which Minister and Department will be responsible for this.

The proposed restriction on lead ammunition is being developed at the level of the European Union under the REACH regulation, which aims to protect human health and the environment from harmful chemical exposure. The proposal is intended primarily to reduce lead pollution from spent ammunition and to protect wild birds, hunters and their families from the harmful effects of lead exposure. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment participates in REACH processes through the Health and Safety Authority. Policy responsibility for matters relating to hunting, firearms and wildlife protection and environmental impacts rests with other Departments and agencies. The Department of enterprise has engaged with a number of relevant bodies. The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment is engaged with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of housing, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of justice, and it continues to circulate relevant Departments.

Yes, but the Minister seems to be saying it is not his responsibility.

No, Deputy. That is not how this works.

I hear the Deputy. Having read the reply, I know what is going on in the sense-----

The clock is not with you, Taoiseach. I call Deputy Heneghan.

I will revert to the Deputy.