Mary Wallace (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

It is astonishing, in a time of major economic challenges, that we should deliberately and knowingly implement legislation that will have a direct negative impact on jobs and our local economy. The legislation is supposed to be motivated by public safety and animal welfare concerns but is actually motivated by an ideology that is removed from reality. By its very existence it casts a smear on decent people who pursue traditions and pastimes that are fundamental to who we are - people who have a proven track record in both animal welfare and public safety and who have not been consulted in this process.

The Bill is unnecessary and has a disproportionate effect on the economy of County Meath and the Ward Union Hunt. The Ward Union Hunt has maintained the highest animal welfare standards through its 200-year history. It has also made an outstanding contribution to the Irish horse racing industry and should be allowed to continue to do so. We must consider the implications for the people I represent in my home community. What would have been so wrong with granting another licence for next season from October to March? We could have come back here in September and had a much more detailed debate.

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