Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1643. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to cull deer in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15607/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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It should be noted that my Department does not own the deer population. Wild deer in the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts. They roam freely throughout the countryside and are present in many parts of the country. Deer can cover large distances on a daily or seasonal basis in search of food. There is a significant challenge in attempting to balance the demands of agriculture, forestry and conservation with the need to ensure that deer populations occupying the same land resources are managed at sustainable levels, and in a responsible and ethical manner. Ultimately, however, where deer species are increasing in range and numbers, depending on the annual count and instances of damage caused by deer to habitats (especially woodland), culls need to be carried out to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences.

The area referred to by the Deputy is a large tract of land incorporating both private property and state-owned National Park land. Control of deer on private property is the responsibility of landowners. Wild deer in the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts, however, 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. Landowners may also 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. My Department has granted over 5,000 deer hunting licences for the current deer hunting season. Licences are issued for an annual period with all licences expiring on 31 July, 2018.

With regard to the National Park in question, my Department actively manages the deer populations within the park on an ongoing basis. 97 deer have been culled there this year.