Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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I welcome the progress that has been made with Killarney House by the Minister's Department. It is a great attraction for the town and the county of Kerry. My father ensured it was put on the investment programme in late 2010, and it has progressed well since then. On behalf of the people of Kerry I welcome the final stages in the gardens and so on.

The national park was given over to the State free of charge. It is 26,000 acres and while it is a wonderful place and a great attraction it needs to be maintained. There is much work that must be carried out to ensure the product is to a high standard. The rhododendrons are still a big issue there, and considerable investment is needed to rid the grounds of this plague.

The deer situation has been exacerbated beyond all control, and there needs to be significant culling to ensure the safety of people travelling on our roads, whether they be on the Ring of Kerry or on the other roads around Killarney, such as N72, the Killorglin road and the N22, the national primary road. Lives are important and the volume of the traffic is growing. More investment and a big cull are needed to ensure people can travel safely on our roads.

Deer are also affecting adjoining landowners who are robbed, beggared and broke by them. Putting out costly fertiliser is no good because the deer are coming from the national park into their lands and they create havoc with crops, soilage and so on. Farmers in these places cannot keep half the stock that they kept heretofore. I ask the Minister to ensure this issue is dealt with. Lyme's disease which is spread by a tick that is prevalent in deer has a serious effect on so many families, young children, mothers, expectant mothers and many other people. It is sad our doctors and our medical service do not even properly recognise this disease and, therefore, many people must travel abroad to get treated for this disease which is emanating from the deer. It is only right I highlight this on behalf of the people I represent here in this important committee.

I would like to return to the Minister of State, Deputy McHugh, about the post offices if that is alright.