Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 February 2019
154. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the criteria used for the letting of hunting licences for wild deer on Coillte-owned forestry and land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9772/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra164. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the fact that the wild deer population of Ireland has dramatically increased and that they are causing devastating damage to farmland, crops and causing a dangerous hazard on rural and national roads particularly in areas of County Tipperary; the status of the Irish Deer Management Forum; when a chairperson will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9882/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra165. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider establishing with local stakeholders, including farmers and local gun clubs county management committees to implement policies and best practice to deal with the issue of deer management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9884/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra166. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will examine issues affecting sustainable management of wild deer, having regard for human economic interest and farmers in addition to the best interests of deer; if, arising from such examination, he will formulate recommendations to the relevant Departments charged with responsibility for wildlife, agriculture and forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9886/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra167. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if culling will be introduced according to best practice guidelines adopted internationally and carried out by licensed hunters and local gun club members that are themselves certified as competent in circumstances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9888/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra168. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider introducing measures such as a grant scheme for farmers to erect suitable fencing to protect crops and grassland that is continuously invaded and damaged by wild deer; his views on whether in certain areas, including County Tipperary, the wild deer population is at epidemic levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9890/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra169. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Coillte has a deer management plan in place; if not, if one will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9891/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 164 to 169, inclusive, together.
Over the last decade, available evidence suggests that the geographic distribution of all species of deer has increased, but neither the precise distribution nor the population density of these species is currently known. Deer appear to be a localised issue in many areas. In this context, there is a significant challenge in attempting to ensure that the demands of agriculture, forestry and conservation co-exist and that deer populations are managed at sustainable levels, and in a responsible and ethical manner.
In 2015 my Department, together with the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht, published Deer Management in Ireland – A Framework for Action , which recommends a series of actions on deer management and conservation in a number of areas, including addressing the impact of deer in places where they are abundant. The Irish Deer Management Forum was established to implement the various actions listed in the Report. The Forum comprises representatives from the main stakeholder areas such as landowners, forestry, hunting and conservation organisations, as well as representatives from both Departments. The Report provides for a review of the workings of the Irish Deer Management Forum after three years. Both my Department and the Department of Culture Heritage and Gaeltacht are currently examining the future direction of the Forum and its aims in the context of representation on the Forum, agreed work plans and funding mechanisms.
Adoption of best practice is fully supported by both Departments and the majority of deer management stakeholders. Best practice guidance, adapted to Irish Conditions was published by the Irish Deer management Forum during 2018 and can be accessed via www.idmf.ie.
A number of initiatives have been carried out in Co. Wicklow with a view to defining locally-led approaches to cooperative deer management. My Department is currently supporting a project led by the Wicklow Deer Management Partnership and Wicklow Uplands Forum, aimed at improving cooperation between landowners and local hunters. This project builds on previous experience in Wicklow through projects such as the Ballinastoe Deer Management Project, the Calary Deer Steering Group and the Calary/North–East Wicklow Deer TB survey. These projects provide a good example for other local groups to follow, in areas affected by deer-related issues.
The Manor Kilbride Deer Management Group in West Wicklow has also produced very useful and practical code of practice for landowners, to guide successful deer management implementation on farmland, and to formalise agreements between landowners and hunters.
Through the Irish Deer Management Forum, Teagasc and a number of other stakeholders have agreed to examine methodologies for to measure the impact of deer in agriculture, and to improve awareness of deer issues and mitigation options among farmers.
My Department introduced a Deer Fencing and Tree Shelter Scheme to protect forests from predation by deer in 2018 as deer can cause serious damage to trees, particularly in native woodlands. Additionally, my Department has also engaged with the Society of Irish Foresters, Teagasc and Third Level Institutes in the delivery of deer management training to professional Foresters and Contractors.
Deer Hunter Licencing and Competence are matters for the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht and the representative bodies, clubs and associations for licenced hunters within the State.
The management of the Coillte forest estate is a matter for, and the responsibility of, the company as a commercial State Body. The questions in relation to same have therefore been referred to Coillte for direct response to the Deputy within 10 days.
