asked the Minister for Lands if he will take steps to have deer shot on the Tipperary side of the Knockmealdown mountains in the Clogheen area, as they are doing great damage to turnips and corn and are knocking out potatoes from pits and eating them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Destruction by Deer.
It is presumed that the question refers to those lands under the control of the Minister for Lands in the Clogheen district—i.e., Clogheen State Forest lands, comprising 3,068 acres.
I, as Minister for Lands, cannot accept any greater responsibility for the presence of deer in this area than attaches to any other local landowner. In view, however, of the damage caused by these animals, steps have been taken to deal with the matter for a number of years past. This year 23 deer were shot by employees of the State on the State Forest lands.