Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019
161. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the considerations given to animal welfare in relation to the recent deer cull in the Phoenix Park overseen by the OPW; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2615/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works has a Deer Policy for the Phoenix Park which has been endorsed by both the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the School of Biology & Environmental Science at University College Dublin. This policy addresses all aspects of deer welfare and management of the deer herd in line with international best practice. The Phoenix Park team has long-standing experience in managing the herd of wild fallow deer at the Park.
Together with the School of Biology & Environmental Science at U.C.D., OPW has explored the various culling methods appropriate to a wild herd. Based on this research, the methodology of the cull, as undertaken on January 9th, is considered the most appropriate and humane approach.
