Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Sadly, this poaching is on the increase. I must declare, if one likes, a non-declarable interest. I am a lifelong member of the Kerry Deer Society, which is concerned with conservation. We were never poachers or were never into culling. Whatever about management issues, we would not want to see the native Irish red deer - the Kerry red deer - seriously under threat, and I am not talking about the deer in Glenveagh and other parts because they are different strains. Members are very welcome to visit the national park with me. There is a threat in that people are hunting the stags for their antlers and for the meat. Although we talk about traceability and so on, wild venison should not be bought by any restaurant or hotel. The Ministers, Deputy Coveney and Deputy Deenihan, have to come together to devise a system to ensure this is stopped.