Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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452. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures a person can take in respect of the culling of deer that are trespassing on their land (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17688/17]

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.

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.