asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of deer herds which are in the country at present; the grants which are available to individuals establishing a deer herd; the amount of venison which is exported at present; and where it is slaughtered.
Written Answers. - Deer Herds.
84.
According to the latest information available to me there are about 50 producers engaged in deer farming in Ireland with the total number of farmed deer amounting to some 2,500 head. In addition data relating to wild deer indicate some 15,000 animals mainly in the Wicklow, Donegal and Kerry areas. There are no grants available to individuals for the establishment of deer herds.
Exports of venison in 1987 amounted to some 14 tonnes. Slaughtering usually takes place on the farm or in the wild with processing usually carried out in butchering premises. The Commission of the European Community is currently discussing proposals relating to public health arrangements for production and distribution of game meat including venison. The proposals aim to establish common standards in the member states in respect of public health, hygiene and processing of all game meat.