Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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121. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding deer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38064/16]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Wild deer in the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts. They can be found throughout the countryside and are present in many parts of the country. 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.

With regard to calls for increased fencing in relation to incidents of deer presence on public roads, my Department has no plans to fence the National Parks. Deer, albeit larger, are like other wild animals in this country and it is not part of the remit of my Department, nor indeed would it be generally possible, to cordon them onto specific areas of land. Moreover, fencing the National Parks would not be a viable solution and would not achieve the desired results or serve any practical purpose in terms of wild deer control or management.

With regard to the incident referred to, I am advised that it was not fully established that the cause was attributable to deer. Nevertheless, as previously indicated, my Department is of the view that improving sight lines for motorists as well as improved (and possibly larger) signage is likely to be the most effective measure to assist motorists to be vigilant when driving through areas where populations of deer can be expected. Officials from my Department have discussed this approach with the relevant County Council and I understand that it has prepared a scheme of works, which includes a number of measures such as the trimming back of overhanging tree branches and enhancement/relocation of roadside signs.

In relation to deer policy in general, my Department, together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, published Deer Management in Ireland – A Framework for Actionin 2015, 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.