Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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158. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a risk assessment on the safety of the public was conducted prior to the operation of the recent deer cull in the Phoenix Park overseen by the OPW; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2612/19]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Commissioners of Public Works confirm that a detailed and comprehensive Risk Assessment was carried out prior to the deer cull which took place on the 9th January 2019. The risk assessment was carried out by Phoenix Park management and covered all aspects pertaining to the cull including public safety.

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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159. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the precautions undertaken by his Department and the OPW to safeguard the public and to alert the public that firearms would be used as part of the recent deer cull in the Phoenix Park overseen by the OPW; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2613/19]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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OPW has a comprehensive operating procedure for the deer cull which includes the preparation of a detailed Risk Assessment in advance and the completion and implementation of a detailed safety plan designed to safeguard the public, Park users, staff and operatives involved in the cull itself.

As is standard practise, and in line with the safety plan for the cull, signage notifying the public of the cull and detailing the public exclusion zone was erected on the day before the cull.

All institutions in the Park were informed of the cull and of the public exclusion zones by letter. 

Only two competent individuals who are fully trained and qualified in the use of firearms are permitted to take part in the cull. The OPW complies with the Fire Arms Regulations 2009.

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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160. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if An Garda Siochána was informed in advance of the operation of the recent deer cull in the Phoenix Park overseen by the OPW and that firearms would be discharged as part of the operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2614/19]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Commissioners of Public Works confirm that, as part of the Standard Operating Procedures for the recent deer cull, An Garda Síochána at Cabra Garda Station was notified in advance and was aware that firearms would be discharged as part of this operation.

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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161. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the considerations given to animal welfare in relation to the recent deer cull in the Phoenix Park overseen by the OPW; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2615/19]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works has a Deer Policy for the Phoenix Park which has been endorsed by both the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the School of Biology & Environmental Science at University College Dublin. This policy addresses all aspects of deer welfare and management of the deer herd in line with international best practice. The Phoenix Park team has long-standing experience in managing the herd of wild fallow deer at the Park.  

Together with the School of Biology & Environmental Science at U.C.D., OPW has explored the various culling methods appropriate to a wild herd. Based on this research, the methodology of the cull, as undertaken on January 9th, is considered the most appropriate and humane approach.