The Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, has decided to issue licences to the Irish Coursing Club for the capture and tagging of hares for the coming season.
But, the Minister said, he will strictly monitor the clubs for adherence to licence conditions.
Minister Gormley said he was aware that there had been some incidents where there was a failure to co-operate with his Department's conservation rangers at meetings.
He said he will not tolerate any breaches of conditions of the licence or any interference with the conservation rangers while carrying out their job.
On the basis of breaches of the previous licence Minister Gormley has decided to exclude one of the affiliated clubs from the licence for the coming season and to curtail the activities of two others.
The Minister is also considering the granting of a licence to the Ward Union Hunt in relation to carted stag hunting.
He said he had a number of concerns regarding the matter and he had written to the Ward Hunt in order for it to address those concerns before he makes a final decision on the licence.
