Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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631. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to ensure that all national parks containing deer have fencing that is stock proof for deer to ensure deer do not leave the national parks and cause severe damage to private property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10458/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Wild deer in the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts. They roam freely throughout the countryside and are present in many parts of the country. Their presence is not confined to the National Parks and so fencing of these properties would serve no practical purpose in terms of wild deer control or management.

There is an annual open season during which deer can be legally shot under licence. The open season for deer operates generally from 1 September to 28 February, depending on the species and gender of deer. My Department carries out localised annual deer counts on State lands such as the National Parks. Where appropriate, and depending on the annual count and instances of damage caused by deer to habitats, especially woodland, culls may be carried out to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences.

Control of deer on private property is the responsibility of landowners who may apply to my Department for a permission under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts to cull deer where this is necessary outside the annual open seasons. These permissions offer a facility whereby a person can obtain a permit, on a case by case basis, to prevent serious damage caused by individual deer on specific lands. Permissions are only issued where there is evidence of such damage.

Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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632. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on the potential nature conservation implications for extensive farmland and upland Natura 2000 sites outlined in correspondence (details supplied) to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and recently published by the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers' Association, supported by a range of environmental organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10459/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the correspondence referred to by the Deputy.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department is in ongoing dialogue with staff of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with respect to eligibility rules in upland and commonage lands, and, in particular, for lands that are part of the Natura 2000 network.