The National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) has called on the government to fully outline Ireland’s position on proposed European restrictions on lead ammunition.

The call comes ahead of an upcoming meeting of the EU's REACH Committee.

The NARGC claims the outcome of a possible vote at that meeting could have significant implications for more than 150,000 licensed shotgun owners, including farmers and hunters, across Ireland.

Despite this, the association said there is still no clear public position from government on the revised draft proposals.

The NARGC said it previously raised concerns after receiving conflicting responses from government departments regarding responsibility for Ireland’s position.

The organisation said that "no single department appeared willing to take ownership of the State’s overall position".

Lead ammunition

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE), Alan Dillon, said that "the proposal for a restriction on lead in ammunition is primarily intended to protect wild birds in the environment, as well as hunters and their families from the toxic effects of lead pollution from spent ammunition".

However, in response to a recent parliamentary question, he added "these matters are not within my department’s remit".

The minister said his officials have "reached out" to relevant bodies, including the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS); Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Department of Justice.

"It is the responsibility of these bodies to establish the Irish position on this matter," he said.

Minister Dillon said that discussions on this matter are expected to continue at this month's REACH Committee meeting and "potentially for some time into the future until a draft proposal that is acceptable to the majority of EU member states is arrived at".

Replying to separate parliamentary questions on the issue, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Christopher O'Sullivan said responsibility for Ireland’s chemicals policy, including engagement on REACH matters at EU level, rests with DETE.

Ireland is represented at the REACH Committee meetings for matters within the remit of DETE by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

"My department has no responsibility for matters relating to the manufacture, sale, importation of supply of ammunition. Those matters fall within the remit of DETE and other relevant authorities," Minister O'Sullivan said.

NARGC

NARGC chair Dan Curley said the continued lack of clarity was becoming increasingly difficult to justify as the European process moves towards a decision.

"Ministers and departments have had ample opportunity to establish and communicate Ireland’s position on these proposals.

"With a crucial vote approaching, this level of confusion is unhelpful.

"Rural stakeholders deserve to know what position Ireland intends to take before decisions are made that could have significant consequences for firearm owners, farmers and sporting interests across the country," he said.

Curley said the proposed restrictions have caused significant concern in relation to firearm compatibility, the availability of alternatives and the practical implications for predator control, vermin management and game hunting activities.

NARGC has also raised concerns regarding the potential health and safety implications of any move towards alternative ammunition where firearms may not be designed for its use.

The organisation said such concerns have been "repeatedly raised" with Minister Dillon on the need for "a comprehensive risk assessment of the proposals".

Clarity

Curley said the government must provity clarity on whether or not it supports the proposals.

"What cannot continue is this situation where responsibility is shuffled between departments and nobody appears willing to provide a straightforward answer," he said

NARGC is calling on the government to immediately publish Ireland’s position on the revised proposal and to engage directly with stakeholder organisations before any final decisions are taken at European level.

"The confusion caused by a lack of a coordinated response is just blatantly disrespectful at this stage towards rural groups," Curley said.