The National Parks and Wildlife Service has appealed for information on the slaughtering of at least 40 protected seals on the Blasket Islands, Co Kerry.
On RTÉ radio this morning, spokesman Paddy O'Sullivan said that an investigation was underway and it appeared that the killings had been carried out over a period of time.
He said there must be knowledge in the community of who had carried out the killings and that information should be given in confidence.
He added that the service and the Department of the Environment were committed to an investigation.
Mr O'Sullivan also revealed that five other seals that had been shot had washed into Brandon Bay in Kerry.
The Irish Seal Sanctuary says it is still waiting for gardaí to take statements from its members, and has called for assurances that the investigation into the killings will be pursued.
