Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

512. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent of deer farming; the domestic and-or export markets for venison; the extent to which the industry can grow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7460/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Deer farming in Ireland is an alternative farming enterprise which is extremely reliant on the supply and demand dynamics that affect all agricultural production systems within Ireland.  In 1996 there were approximately 500 deer farms in Ireland with 20,000 deer, but numbers have declined significantly since that time.  There are now only a small number of farmers in Ireland supplying deer for meat production to cater to the niche market available.

Its viability is dependant on producers and companies ensuring that there are  customers available for their product, an objective which Bord Bia assists in by identifying potential market outlets. Bord Bia has received a few enquiries from venison producers about export market opportunities in the UK and has provided assistance with  market insight and importer and distributor contacts. 

There has been some recent growth in the 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. 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. 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.