The Deer Alliance came into being in 2001, in response to Coillte Teoranta’s imminent requirement for independent hunter competence assessment (see previous postings). Between 2001 and 2004 the Deer Alliance Development Committee, comprised of representatives of participating bodies, examined alternative hunter training and competence assessment models including those previously available in Ireland and Britain, together with other European and international models. During this period all expenses were met individually by the participating organisations and/or nominated representatives themselves. The Hunter Competence Assessment Programme 2005 – 2010 (HCAP) launched in 2005 after four years of deliberations and which included publication of the Deer Alliance Stalker Training Manual, remains a voluntary non-profitmaking exercise, with direct expenses funded by revenues from assessment fees and Manual sales. The initial cost of producing the Manual, which was substantial, was funded from grant aid received from Coillte Teoranta, National Parks & Wildlife Service, Forest Service (Department of Agriculture) and the participating deer organisations. Ongoing costs include secretarial and administrative costs, contribution to expenses incurred by volunteers assisting in HCAP MCQs and Range Tests, and promotional costs. Revenues are in general managed to achieve at best a break-even situation, with any surpluses arising from income over expenditure going towards general promotion of the HCAP project. Accounts are currently audited by Michael Ryan & Associates, Chartered Secretary & Accountants, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, to whom the Deer Alliance HCAP Assessment Committee is indebted for attention to services required.

The following is a snapshot of the overall cumulative financial picture as at December 31, 2007.

PERIOD 1 – from 9.8.04 to 31.12.05 (17 months)

INCOME
Grants & Donations received: €17840.00
Assessment Fees: €6975.00
Manual Sales: €14309.00
Total income (all sources): €39207.38

EXPENDITURE
Secretarial & Administration expenses: €4793.38
Assessment expenses: €2013.20
Total expenditure: €29167.24

Cash at Bank: €10040.14

PERIOD 2 – 1.1.06 to 31.12.06

Opening Balance: €10040.14

INCOME
Assessment Fees: €8575.00
Manual Sales: €3908.00
Miscellaneous income: €180.00
Total income (all sources): €12663.00

EXPENDITURE
Printing Charges: €1300.75
Secretarial & Administration expenses: €6585.55
Website development & maintenance: €1441.58
Assessment expenses: €4137.10
Bank charges: €147.73
Total expenditure: €13612.71

Cash at Bank: €9090.43

PERIOD 3 – 1.1.07 to 31.12.07

Opening Balance: €9090.43

INCOME
Assessment Fees: €19345.00
Manual Sales: €4855.00
Miscellaneous income: €171.00
Total Income (all sources): €24371.00

EXPENDITURE
Printing Charges: €1131.00
Secretarial & Administration expenses: €6500.00
Website development & maintenance: €130.00
Assessment expenses: €6193.00
Bank charges: €116.00
Audit Expenses: €220.00
Total expenditure: €14290.00

Cash at Bank: €19172.00