Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent)
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903. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36038/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Deer within the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts, which falls within the responsibility of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Deer may be controlled by landowners in accordance with the Wildlife Acts, by way of licensed hunting. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) considers applications and where appropriate, issues licenses to allow the hunting of wild deer. Landowners may apply directly to the NPWS for these licenses.

I acknowledge the challenges associated with wild deer populations in certain parts of the country. In this context, and in cooperation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, my Department is currently establishing a Irish Deer Management Forum, where stakeholders will be convened to develop a holistic strategy to the management of the wild deer population.