Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I appreciate that and am just about to finish.

Nobody representing the State wants to see unfortunate incidents with guns, such as the recent one in Northern Ireland where a bullet ricocheted and hit a child in the head. We do not want to see incidents like that in Killarney National Park. A meeting of all interested parties and Government personnel would be welcome, with a view to discussing the situation in a constructive manner and arriving at sensible decisions.

However, we cannot take any action until we have a comprehensive count of the herd, to establish the exact numbers of red and Sika deer in the country. The Sika is an imported Japanese species, which is not held in high regard when compared with the red deer. However, both Sika and red deer are protected under the Wildlife Acts. I look forward to the Minister of State's response on this matter.