Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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33. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her objectives with regard to the level of the deer population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23871/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Wild deer in the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts. 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 the last day of February, depending on the species and gender of deer. I am aware that deer species are increasing in range and numbers. Control is normally a matter for the owner of the property on which they occur. On lands managed by my Department, shooting may be carried out to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences.

My Department, together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, recently published a report entitled “Deer Management in Ireland – A Framework for Action”, which recommends a series of actions on deer management and conservation in a number of areas, including addressing the impact of deer in places where they are widespread. An Irish Deer Management Forum has been established to implement the various actions listed in the report. The Forum itself comprises representatives from the main stakeholder areas, such as landowners, forestry, hunting and conservation organisations, as well as representatives from both Departments. The report can be downloaded at the following web address: