Johnny Brady (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

Is it not cruel to put the hounds down by shooting or in whatever other way? Likewise, what will happen to the deer, of which here are 150? As Deputy Mattie McGrath said, we all have deer roaming free in our area. Will the gates be opened and those 150 deer let loose? Is it right to bring someone in to put them down? I do not think so.

I was the first person to speak on the issue at our parliamentary party meeting following the agreement of the programme for Government. I was concerned. I did not know much about the Ward Union Hunt because it is not exactly in my area. However, I know enough about fox hunting and the Ballymacad Hunt and the Meath Hunt. I follow them whenever I am at home, especially around Christmas time. I get great enjoyment from them. I got a commitment from the Taoiseach that evening that nothing else would be affected. That is why, like many of my colleagues, I agreed to the programme for Government.

I say to the Minister, Deputy Gormley, to the Taoiseach and other members of the Government, that if any of the other country pursuits such as fox hunting-----

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