This article is from page 38 of the 2007-04-24 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 38 JPG
IN THE face of increasing pressure from hunting groups the government has backed down on the proposed li- cence fee increase for hunters.
The National Association of Re- gional Game Councils (NARGC) this week welcomed the Govern- ment’s decision to postpone the pro- posed licence fee increases which was announced in early April.
These increases were described as ‘exorbitant?’ by NARGC Director, Des Crofton, and following a heated public debate, and subsequent con- sultation with the Department of Jus-
tice, it has been agreed to postpone WeLomB NL@)Rereksone
“In addition to the postponement, and even more important, the Gov- ernment has commitment to con- sult with NARGC over the next 12 months, when the matter will be discussed in detail and prior to any new fee structures being finalised,” said Mr Croften. “As matters stand, licence fees will be renewed at the current levels and in the normal Fh
NARGC stressed that this political back down should be viewed as posi- tive and a reflection of the Govern- ment’s on-going commitment to the
Irish shooting community and ac- knowledgment of the important role it plays in Irish rural life.
Instrumental in the governments decision was an announcement by the Federation of Irish Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers (FISSTA) last week, pledging the support of its members to NARGC.
The Finance Bill 2007 reveals plans to increase licence fees by an average of 56 per cent without consultation with the representative bodies for shooting. “Shooting people all over the country are unbelievably angry with widespread threats to use their votes to punish the government,”
said a statement from FISSTA.
“The annual shotgun licence, which currently is €25, will rise to €115 for three years and the current annual rifle licence of €38 will rise to €170 for three years. Worse still, a new training licence for young peo- ple who wish to take up the sport, but which will not allow them to own or possess a gun, has been rendered un- workable because of the cost.
“For a young person to undergo proper training in the safe use and handling of a shotgun and rifle, the licence fee will be €285. Yet a fire- arms dealer’s licence will be only €340.”