Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his proposals regarding a national deer cull (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40756/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I have no statutory function in relation to proposals for a national deer cull. However, in accordance with the Wildlife Acts, the annual open season when deer can be legally shot under licence operates from 1 September to 28 February, depending on the species and gender of deer. In addition, landowners may apply to my Department for a licence under the Wildlife Acts to cull deer when this is necessary outside the annual open seasons in instances where damage is being caused to habitats or where levels of deer may have negative ecological consequences.

I am also aware that my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, recently launched a consultation paper entitled Deer Management Policy Vision, which involves the development of a strategy for the sustainable management of Ireland's wild deer population. I will consider any conclusions of that review which are relevant to my Department at the appropriate time.