Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his courtesy and for considering the concerns I expressed when the matter arose in May and also on his visit to Killarney. I accept what he says about the licensed park personnel being the only people allowed to cull deer in Killarney national park. We are at one on that.

I also his accept his assurance about trophy hunters and antlered male deer. We know that during the rutting period, which is currently in progress, some male antlered deer will unfortunately lose their lives, but I would be concerned about shooting deer which have merely lost their antlers through their present natural activity. Perhaps the Minister might consult his personnel in the area. I accept he has some very experienced people in the National Parks and Wildlife Service and I would be loath to go against their advice, but the Minister might keep the matter under review. With regard to the future of tourism, the people of Kerry and Killarney would perhaps prefer that the sika deer be removed from the national park.