asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement outlining the circumstances in which a herd of sika deer was sent from this country to Dubai, including the purpose, cost and outcome of the project; and if any further consignments are contemplated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sika Deer Exports.
18.
Following Press publicity some months ago about the excessive numbers of sika deer in the Killarney National Park the Commissioners of Public Works were approached on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum of the United Arab Emirates with an offer to buy one hundred sika deer for transfer to a wildlife park in Dubai.
As the Commissioners consider it preferable to sell live deer for conservation purpose rather than to shoot them, they accepted His Highness's offer.
The first consignment of 42 deer was flown out from Cork Airport on the Sheikh's private plane on 6th January, 1977, and the Commissioners have been informed that the animals have settled in satisfactorily in their new habitat.
A second group numbering 34 were flown out from Shannon Airport on 12th March, 1977, again on the Sheikh's private plane. The remainder of the animals will be sent at a later date. No further consignments of sika deer to Dubai are at present contemplated.
The purchase terms provided for a per capita charge plus the costs incurred by the Commissioners in caring for the animals in captivity as well as crating and transporting them to the airport.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say how much was paid for the deer?
I have got the figure and I am sure the Parliamentary Secretary would not mind disclosing it privately. As it is a private transaction with an outsider, I do not know if it would be proper for me to disclose it to the House. There is nothing sinister about it but I am not sure if it is within the propriety of the House to disclose details of a private transaction.
How could it be a private transaction?
The alternative was to shoot them.
They were not shot. They were sold. The people in the State are entitled to know what they were sold for.
I accept the point the Deputy has made. If he will bear with me, I would prefer to consult the Office of Public Works before disclosing anything further about it. I am making no secret about the matter.