Rural Life
The IFA has said that this week's report from the Deer Management Strategy Group signals some progress in dealing with the problem of deer.
Agri-Business
Minister Charlie McConalogue has been urged to "push very hard" for funding for a deer management strategy.
The Deer Management Strategy Group is due to publish its final report before the end of the year, the Department of Agriculture (DAFM) said.
The Irish Deer Society supports deer culling, but only in accordance with "data-driven management plans" and stakeholder collaboration.
Over 1,500 public submissions were made as part of the consultation for the new National Deer Management Strategy.
A Kerry TD has called on the government to implement an "extensive cull" of Sika deer across the country in the interest of farmers.
Environment
The Rural Independent Group of TDs has called for a four-week extension to the public consultation on the new national deer management plan.