Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Mar 1992

Vol. 416 No. 7

Written Answers. - Killing of Deer.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

74 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the wide-spread illegal killing of deer in the Counties Dublin, Wicklow and in the Slievebloom mountain ranges; if he will outline the extent of deer poaching, at present; and if he will confirm that the Slievebloom's herd is almost decimated.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

75 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the steps he is taking to prevent the widespread illegal shooting of deer.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

76 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the number of licences which were granted for the killing of deer; and if, in view of the effects of the widespread killing, he will ban outright all killing and issuing of licences to kill for next season.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. N. Treacy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 to 76, inclusive, together.

I am aware that some deer poaching has taken place in the areas in question and I can assure the Deputy that every possible effort is being made by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Office of Public Works, to stamp out this problem.

Additional rangers were recently recruited and some of these are based in Counties Dublin and Wicklow where they will enforce the provisions of the Wildlife Act, 1976 regarding,inter alia, illegal hunting of deer.

I have no evidence that the deer population in the Slievebloom has been decimated or is under threat. In total, 669 licences to hunt deer during the 1991-92 open seasons were issued by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Hunting of all game species including deer is reviewed each year having regard to the conservation status of the species. If scientific evidence suggests that a particular game species is under threat it can be removed from the open seasons order made under the Wildlife Act, 1976. This situation has not arisen in relation to deer.