Bernard J. Durkan
Question:101 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the growth in deer farming in the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30380/01]
Written Answers. - Deer Farming.
Apart from a slight increase in 1999 venison production has remained at almost the same level over the past four years. The current position for deer farmers is positive and I am pleased to see that both demand and prices have shown significant improvement this year. We have had a good calving season in 2001 and good quality animals are going into fattening units.
Deer are included this year under the area based compensatory allowance scheme and assistance for the housing and handling of deer is available under the regional operational programmes. Funding is also available under the REPS scheme. I am confident that these measures will boost the confidence of producers and encourage them to expand their units. This in turn will put the industry on a sound basis for expansion in 2002.