Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I share the sentiments expressed by Senator Marshall. Thanks be to God, it now looks like we will have a deal or, as he hinted at, an extension. Please God, the moderate voices across both parties in Westminster will be to the fore and sense will prevail. I agree fully with what he has said.

I agree with Senator Feighan about the Champ event. It is a very good effort and has borne fruit over the past year or more by maintaining very good friendly relations between politicians at Westminster and here in Ireland. While it may not be possible for us all to get to the event on 12 March, we all wish them well and, hopefully, apart from Senator Feighan that some few others will attend.

This morning I am very concerned about the increasing number of deer in Kerry, particularly in the Killarney area. Traditionally, the deer have been largely confined to the Killarney National Park. However, there is much evidence in recent times that the deer have encroached on and roam well beyond the parkland. While I accept that fences are not the answer, in a few specific instances, mainly between the park and the Castle Ross lands and Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, some limited fencing would help. This may be also the case on another stretch of road between Ballydowney and Gortroe.Our coroner has been concerned about the increasing number of accidents, unfortunately, causing death in a few instances. I am not too sure if the Garda is fully satisfied about that, but in any event, the deer are crossing that road to farm land on the northern side, and that is an important route on the Ring of Kerry. We need to hear more about an updated management plan from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It might be appropriate for us to hear from the Minister on this matter generally.