Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 16:

In page 15, between lines 11 and 12, to insert the following:“(b) deer;”.

This section provides that where the Minister is satisfied that trees in a forest are being or are likely to be damaged by vermin, the owner of the land concerned may be served with a notice stating the trees are likely to be damaged by vermin and directing that the vermin be destroyed so far as is reasonably practicable to do so, or that certain specified steps be taken to prevent damage within such time as the Minister may specify. The animals identified as vermin are squirrels and wild or feral animals that are not protected wild animals. I include deer because I understand they are a major threat to forests. Does the Minister have powers elsewhere to control the damage done by deer to forests?