Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am very grateful to the Minister of State for that. I notice that his reply did not contain anything about the gene pool, but we can follow that further. With regard to the illegal shooting of male Kerry red deer, I understand some trophy hunters are prepared to break the law. I again salute the work of the rangers, particularly in their night-time patrols. It is difficult to catch these people on the Kenmare Road because as the Minister of State knows, that main road from Killarney to Kenmare passes through the national park. The deer tend to come down and the lights seem to attract them. It is very sad that people do that and I hope they are prosecuted.

I very much welcome the order protecting the female red deer as well as the males. I hope to hear further about the protection of the gene pool. I am very satisfied with the answer the Minister of State has given.