Dáil Éireann - Volume 34 - 23 May, 1930

Wild Birds Protection Bill, 1929—Report Stage.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney) James Fitzgerald-Kenney

Minister for Justice (Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney): I beg to move amendment 1:

In page 4, line 65, Section 8, to delete the words “three months” and substitute the words “fourteen days.”

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The general opinion in the House was that a sentence of three months' imprisonment would be unduly heavy for an offence under this Act. [2459] The period has been altered in other sections and I suggest that fourteen days would be an ample term of imprisonment.

Amendment agreed to.

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney: I move amendment 2:

In page 6, First Schedule, after the words “Finch (all kinds)” to insert within the brackets the words “except bullfinch.”

This deals with the question of the bullfinch. There was a considerable difference of opinion amongst persons who are masters of bird lore. Some thought that the bullfinch should be a bird preserved under this Bill. On the other hand a considerable number seemed to think that the bullfinch does such a very considerable amount of damage, especially to young fruit trees, that it is a bird that, in spite of very beautiful appearance, should not be protected. It is a matter upon which I, of my own personal knowledge, can state very little to the House because I have got only the average country-reared man's knowledge of the habits of birds. I cannot say that I am in any way an expert. Weighing up the views put before me and the weight of opinion that seemed to be behind them, I came to the conclusion that bullfinches ought not to be protected under this Bill. It is a matter upon which the House, if it so wishes, should have an opportunity of expressing its opinion.

Amendment agreed to.

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney: I move amendment 3:

In page 6, First Schedule, after the words “Tit (all kinds)” to insert within the brackets the words “except great tit and blue tit.”

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I am also informed that these two birds, the great tit and the blue tit, are birds that should not be preserved, especially the great tit, because it does a great deal of damage. I believe it kills some small birds and [2460] especially does damage to bee hives; it is a great destroyer of that very useful little animal, the bee.

Mr. E. Doyle Mr. E. Doyle

Mr. E. Doyle: Will the Minister indicate the difference between the blue tit and the great tit?

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney: The difference would be much the same as between the golden plover and the green plover.

Mr. E. Doyle Mr. E. Doyle

Mr. E. Doyle: Might not the blue tit be a great tit?

Amendment agreed to.

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney

Mr. Fitzgerald-Kenney: I move:

In page 6, Second Schedule, to delete the word “bullfinch.”

Amendment agreed to.

Bill, as amended, received for final consideration. Fifth Stage fixed for Wednesday, 28th May.

Dáil Éireann 34 Wild Birds Protection Bill, 1929—Report Stage.

General Debate

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