Vol. 548 No. 5
159 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 127 of 30 May 2001, he will outline the measures which have been put in place to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5679/02]
Following an exhaustive investigation, the district veterinary office, DVO, has been unable to positively identify the deer in question as farmed, or belonging to the individual referred to in the Deputy's previous question on this issue. The regulation of populations of deer in the wild is the responsibility of Dúchas. There are no particular grounds for concern regarding bovine TB in this deer population. The DVO has advised farmers experiencing a problem with trespass etc., to apply for a cull licence from Dúchas and I am aware that one farmer has already obtained such a licence and he has also received the appropriate firearms licence from the Garda.
