John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

A person can apply for a licence but, unfortunately, the experience to date has been that if somebody applies for a licence and is experiencing a large number of red deer, for example, 15 or 20 deer, on their lands continually, they will get the licence to cull possibly two or three deer, which does not deal with the problem. Perhaps the Minister could look into that. This is not a very nice issue to have to raise because the culling of any beautiful wild animal is not something I would call for here without very good reason. In her reply, the Minister said that the work has started. I have no knowledge of this but, obviously, I will take the Minister's sources at their word. I would also caution that this is the time of year when deer are in foal - I am not sure whether that is the correct term to use for a deer carrying its young. It would not be the most appropriate time for such activity. To my knowledge, September is the time when this work should be carried out. I revert to my original question and point. In my opinion, if we do not have an actual plan that states the number of deer that the park can successfully manage and deal with, we will not know what our target is and the number to which we should be getting. Perhaps we should look at reducing the numbers over a five-year period to an acceptable level that reduces the risk of traffic accidents, ecological and animal welfare issues and any potential hybridisation. It is not a topic that will probably read very well or make for good listening for anybody watching but at the same time, it is very important. If it is not dealt with, it will just escalate into an even greater crisis. I welcome the fact that the Minister's sources tell her that the work has started but I would question it because, to my knowledge, there is no evidence of it on the ground.

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