Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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286. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding wild deer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25331/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I am aware that deer species are increasing in range and numbers here. The Deputy will appreciate that control is normally a matter for the owner of the property on which the deer occur. On lands managed by my Department, controls may be carried out to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences. In addition, 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 had 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: