“It has become clear that deer densities in areas across the Country are above a sustainable level for land management activities and are impacting on farming, forestry, nature conservation and biodiversity. Together with Minister Noonan, I published the Irish Deer Management Strategy Group’s report on developing a sustainable deer management strategy for Ireland last December. The development of the report, under the Chairmanship of Mr Teddy Cashman, involved a thorough process including public consultation and stakeholder meetings and led to 15 actions being put forward. Extending the deer hunting season is one of the priority actions identified to combat this increasing problem. There is no doubt that the wild deer population is having a significant impact on farmers. Land set aside for grazing livestock is being plundered and our forestry is being impacted by over grazing which prevents regeneration. I very much welcome this step in implementing the report of the Deer Management Strategy Group.”