Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

[Deputy Jimmy Deenihan.]
Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers
available to individual fishermen to control damage to fisheries by seals at particular locations.
However, I have no plans to sanction a more general cull.
It is also an obligation under the EU Habitats Directive that Ireland designates Special Areas
of Conservation for both species of seal. The main breeding areas for seal are now legally
protected. It should be noted that my Department is involved in a number of studies in relation
to seals. These include making arrangements to complete a national survey of harbour and
grey seals; liaising with Inland Fisheries Ireland concerning a research project to investigate
seal-fisheries interactions in the Moy Estuary and Wexford Harbour with a view to informing
management options; and liaising with Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Marine Institute concerning
a research project to investigate seal depredation and seal-fisheries interactions.
368. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his
plans to carry out a cull of the deer population in view of the severe financial consequence to
our farming community who live near forests and are constantly having their fences broken
and grass eaten by these wandering deer. [8311/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan): 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 28 February, depending on the species and gender of deer. I am aware that deer
species are increasing in range and numbers. My Department carries out localised annual deer
counts on State lands such as National Parks. 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.
369. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
the measures he is taking to ensure that the Ward Union Hunt does not continue to break the
law in relation to hunting deer as per section 23A(1) of the Wildlife Amendment Act in view
of the new evidence which shows that they are continuing to hunt stag in contravention of the
ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7569/12]
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan): Officials of my
Department monitor compliance with the Wildlife Acts across the country on an ongoing basis
and carry out patrols and site visits to enforce the various provisions of these Acts as required.
They also investigate reports of breaches of the Acts. Members of An Garda Síochána are also
empowered under the Acts to investigate alleged offences and to prosecute, if they see fit. In
this regard, my Department will follow up appropriately on any alleged breaches of the Wildlife
(Amendment) Act 2010 which makes it an offence to hunt a deer with two or more dogs.
Architectural Heritage
370. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way
a building becomes listed; the criteria or qualifications used for a building to become a listed
484