Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The Minister has done an about turn on the practical implementation of the legislation. Deer are sometimes in distress and stalkers have to find them to deal with their distress. It is not a big issue but it had to be brought to his attention that the legislation can cause practical difficulties. I welcome that he is granting a substantial number of licences but I know only one instance of the public safety issues that Deputy Sargent raised. This one instance is the reason for blanket legislation.

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