Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1665. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the development and growth of deer farming and the venison sector with particular reference to developments abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28432/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Deer farming in this country is an alternative enterprise which is highly dependent on the dynamics of supply and demand which affect all agricultural production systems. In 1996 there were approximately 500 deer farms in Ireland with 20,000 deer, but numbers have declined sharply since that time. At present there are only a small number of farmers in Ireland supplying deer for meat production,  which cater to the niche market available.

The viability of the sector is reliant upon producers and companies ensuring that a market exists for their product, an objective which Bord Bia assists in by identifying and developing potential market outlets.

There has been some recent growth in game (venison) market albeit from a very low base. This growth has been achieved as a result of improved distribution for game meats, especially in supermarkets. Game and exotic meats currently occupy a premium, niche segment of the market. Whilst there are niche opportunities to compete with the larger premium segment of the red meat/poultry categories, it is important to note that demand is seasonal, with the greatest concentration of retail shelf space dedicated to game in the Winter/Christmas period.

My Department has approved one factory for the slaughter of deer in Ireland, and two game handling plants. There may also be outlets for processing of venison in Local Authority approved plants, but this would be a matter for the Local Authority concerned.