Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2016
393. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the circumstances under which red deer stags were shot and killed by trophy hunters in Killarney National Park; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39600/16]
View answerThere is an annual Open Season during which deer can be legally shot under licence. The Open Season generally operates from 1 September to 28 February, depending on the species and gender of deer. Hunters need to have permission from the landowner and/or the sporting rights holder where they hunt.
The hunting of both male and female red deer in county Kerry is prohibited under the Open Seasons Order. However, there is a facility under the Wildlife Acts whereby landowners may apply to my Department for a special permission to cull deer where this is necessary outside the annual open seasons. These permissions offer a facility whereby a person can obtain a permit, on a case-by-case basis, to prevent serious damage caused by individual deer on specific lands. Permissions are only issued where there is evidence of such damage. Such permits are granted to a particular landowner and specify the person (deer stalker) who is permitted to carry out the cull. As such, the permits are non- transferable and may not be sold.
Officials of my Department have investigated the allegation that an overseas hunter reputedly “bought” a permit to shoot red deer in the Killarney area. It is my understanding that this allegation has also been reported to An Garda Síochána. To date, my Department has found no evidence or concrete information in relation to this allegation. If, however, the Deputy wishes to forward any specific information he may have, I will be glad to have the matter given further consideration.
