Under the terms of the EU Birds Directive, Ireland has to take measures to protect all wild birds and their habitats.
The Directive allows member states to make derogations from its protective measures where particular wild bird species are causing damage to crops, livestock and fauna and/or represent a threat to public health or to air safety.
The minister has signed such a derogation for the 12 month period from 1st May 2015 to 30th April 2016.
A link to that Derogation is available here.