Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I am aware of the Senator's concerns and believe we are ad idem on the issue of trophy-hunting, something I do not want to see. The culling and the allowed hunting are meant to keep all the species in check. There has been something of an explosion in the red deer population in the area. We do not have wolves or other predators in Kerry. It will continue to be the case that deer will be dealt with only by licensed park personnel. Licences will not be issued for hunting in the park for the very reasons the Senator has outlined.

If I may mangle the words of Oscar Wilde, one of whose characters described the loss of one parent as being a tragedy, but the loss of both being carelessness, I am not sure how many of the large deer in Kerry national park lose both parents in the rutting season. I know it involves a very vigorous activity for the deer. However, no hunting currently takes place there.