Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 October 2018
693. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is considerable concern regarding unnecessary vilification of wild deer which is not based on factual scientific data and that some wildlife crimes against wild deer have been committed and reported to An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42366/18]
View answer694. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to make adjustments to the open season for wild deer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42367/18]
View answer695. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will meet with an organisation (details supplied) to discuss the issue in relation to deer management and conservation here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42368/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 693, 694 and 695 together.
Wild deer in the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts. There is an annual open season during which deer can be legally shot under licence. The open season for deer operates generally from 1 September to the last day of February, depending on the species and gender of deer. I have no current plans to adjust this season.
My Department carries out localised annual deer counts on State lands such as National Parks and I am aware that deer species are increasing in range and numbers. Where appropriate, and depending on the annual count and instances of damage caused by deer to habitats, especially woodland, culls may be carried out to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences.
Control of deer on private property is the responsibility of landowners who may apply to my Department for a permission under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts 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.
In relation to illegal deer hunting, officials of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department and an Garda Siochana have powers under the Wildlife Acts to bring prosecutions for illegal deer hunting. Some 19 prosecution cases have been taken by my Department for illegal deer hunting since 2010 to date which have included cases of hunting deer out of season, hunting at night and hunting on lands without landowner permission.
I have not received an invitation for a meeting from the organisation in question but I would consider any such invitation in the context of on my diary schedule. Finally, if the Deputy has evidence of suspected crimes against deer, my Department would be very grateful for that information.
