Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Jun 1992

Vol. 421 No. 4

Written Answers. - Phoenix Park (Dublin) Deer Herd.

Roger T. Garland

Ceist:

108 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to (a) the actions of the Office of Public Works regarding the deer herd in the Phoenix Park, Dublin 7 whereby it would appear that they are trying to achieve a TB free herd and (b) the cruelty caused to the deer by these actions; if he will outline (1) when this activity started, (2) the number of deer which have been killed, both by accident and by intent in efforts to eradicate the reactors, (3) the times of the year this is carried out and (4) the number of deer which have been gored or otherwise injured by these actions; and his views on whether these actions are desirable.

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

The Phoenix Park Management Plan of 1986 set out the policy for management of the deer herd. It stated:

The deer will be managed to ensure that a healthy herd is kept at the present population level of approximately 300. This will entail culling of poor and sickly animals, continuous monitoring of deer health and protection of deer from traffic.

In pursuance of this objective the Office of Public Works engaged, together with the Zoology Department of UCD, in a scientific study of the deer in the following years. By 1990 the size of the herd had grown to 525 and it was clear that culling needed to be undertaken immediately if the growth in numbers was to be kept in check. In the first instance it was decided to remove deer which reacted positive to a TB test. Following a round-up of most of the herd in January, 1991, 23 deer tested positive and were removed by professional staff. Thirteen other deer were put down during the capture operation. In March 1992, a further round-up was undertaken when 39 reactors were removed and a further 18 were put down.

In order to control the growth of the herd 98 healthy deer were sold to a deer farmer.

The management and conservation of the deer herd is one of the principal objectives of the Office of Public Works in the Phoenix Park and I am satisfied that the staff involved carry out their duties to the highest professional standards.