Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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189. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the concern of farmers regarding the prevalence of tuberculosis in livestock in the mid-Louth area; if his attention has been further drawn to the significant population of wild deer in the general area that are suspected of being carriers of the disease; if a deer cull is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16771/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Progress in bringing down levels of bovine TB incidence in County Louth in recent years has broadly reflected the significant progress achieved nationally in the same period. For example, disease levels currently in the County, in terms of herd incidence, are less than one-third of the levels recorded in 2008 and, at 2.22%, are in fact currently below the national average level of 2.51%.

As regards wild deer, the position is that under the wildlife Acts responsibility for this species in the State rests with the Minister for of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. I understand that there is an annual open season during which deer can legally be shot under licence. Control of deer on private property is the responsibility of landowners who may apply to the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht 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 issued by D/AHG where there is evidence of such damage.

I might also mention that, arising from the contacts between my Department and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, a non-statutory Irish Deer Management Forum to look specifically at tackling the range of issues around deer has recently had its inaugural meeting. This Forum is a national body, has an independent chairperson and comprises staff from both Departments and from stakeholder groups.