Johnny Brady (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I did not interrupt other speakers. This afternoon I find myself wavering along a very fine dividing line. I plead with the Minister to think again on the issue. Rural Ireland is rightly concerned and annoyed about the devastating impacts for employment in farming and for rural traditions. It is not realistic to focus on no more than three incidents that occurred out of more than 400 hunts conducted in the past ten years. That is particularly so when no account is being taken of the number of deer that are injured or killed on roads and in the Phoenix Park. Is that not a much more serious public safety issue? Banning a hunt in order to address concerns over public safety is an over-reaction.

I stress the major importance and significance of all rural pursuits and the benefits that accrue from them to rural Ireland. I plead for more time and consultation for this debate. I call on the Minister to conduct a full regulatory impact assessment and to consult further with all stakeholders. I had a different view on the Ward Union Hunt following the occurrence of certain incidents, especially the Kildalkey incident. Deputy Wallace outlined the visit to the kennels which led me to reassess my view. Those involved in the Ward Union kennels have put safety measures in place since that incident. Animal welfare is No. 1 on its list. I compliment the kennels on the measures that were put in place, which were explained in detail to us. Those involved showed us the hounds and the deer. The animal welfare in the kennels is first class.

In the context of cruelty to animals, will the Minister indicate what will happen to the beautiful pack of hounds that are in the Ward Union kennels?

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