Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I am aware that is a concern of the Senator. The trend of a hugely increasing red deer population has led to concerns being raised on how to control the overall population. There is also substantial evidence of ecological damage as a consequence of expanding deer populations. My Department must have regard to such concerns and considerations.

The trend in red deer population numbers shows that the Killarney red deer population is in no way at risk, and consequently there is no longer a basis for having a significantly more limited regime in Killarney than has been the case in other parts of the country. For these reasons, and as was already signalled to this House in May 2005, I have decided that for the upcoming 2005-06 open season, female red deer in County Kerry will be included in the open season as a method of controlling the increase in the numbers of the species throughout the county. It is accepted that hinds, as breeders, are the main source of deer numbers and hence the need for greater management of females. Furthermore, by limiting the season mainly to female deer and antlerless red deer, there is no attraction for trophy hunters.

I was taken by the point that Senator Coghlan made to me when I recently visited Killarney, that we do not want to see people popping off at deer simply in order to have an antlered trophy. For practical reasons regarding enforcement of the hunting licences, antlerless male red deer are being included in the open season for Kerry alongside red deer hinds, because we know there is a difficulty in distinguishing the antlerless deer from the hinds.

The following changes to the wild deer open season have been made: Female and antlerless sika, fallow and red deer can be hunted throughout the State, without exception, from 1 November 2005 to 28 February 2006. Male sika and fallow deer can be hunted throughout the State from 1 September 2005 to 31 December 2005. Male red deer can be hunted throughout the State exclusive of the county of Kerry from 1 September 2005 to 31 December 2005. It will continue to be illegal to hunt antlered male red deer in County Kerry over one year of age.

I assure the Senator and the House that the open season dates will continue to be reviewed on an annual basis in my Department taking account of the conservation needs of each species. Senator Coghlan is concerned about the dangers of hunters in the park and I can understand that. With regard to Killarney National Park, in which hunting is prohibited at all times of the year, deer culling is conducted by experienced, trained and licensed park personnel only. The current policy of not issuing hunting licences to third parties for Killarney National Park will continue and I am sure the Senator will take some assurance from that.

On average, approximately 150 sika deer and 50 to 60 red deer per year have been removed by park personnel, including in areas adjoining the national park, such as farm lands and on KiIlarney golf course. Many of these were sick, old or lived alone rather than with a herd. Their removal is an important element of the ecological management of the national park. We all know that in the natural state, predators would take down such individual animals.

Within KiIlarney National Park, extensive counting of deer species by staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service has taken place since the 1970s and details of those figures have recently been provided to the Senator. I will ensure that the Senator gets a full, detailed breakdown. I recommend to the Senator that those concerned about the future of red deer should continue to keep in close contact with the regional management of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The service has great experience and expertise in dealing with the conservation and management of wild deer, and especially the red deer of Kerry, which are a vital part of our natural heritage.

I am aware that the Senator has expressed concerns previously about issues outside the park, in particular the 100 km/h speed limit on the Kenmare Road, and has requested that the number of deer warning signs be increased. The responsibility for these matters rests with the local authority concerned rather than with my Department. However, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has brought the Senator's concerns to the attention of the local authority and has asked that his suggestions be favourably considered.