Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

Nuair atáimid ag caint faoi bheith ag fiach nó ag seilg, táimid ag caint faoi stair agus oidhreacht na hÉireann. Ó aimsir Fionn Mac Cumhaill agus Diarmuid agus Gráinne, tá muintir na hÉireann ag seilg le haghaidh spraoi, bia agus maireachtáil. The old Irish words for hunting - "seilg" and "fiach" - are all the evidence one needs to show that this is an ancient Irish pastime. No translated words from the English, German or Latin languages are required to explain something about this country that has existed for so long. That is the most important point; that hunting must be recognised. In the United Kingdom it has become a class issue. It is not a class issue in this country and it should never be allowed to become one.

The people I represent in Meath East are by and large strongly opposed to the legislation. Farmers are opposed to it, in particular because of the services for fallen animals that the Ward Union Hunt provides and because of the enjoyment they have during the winter watching the hunt passing through their lands. The community itself enjoys the hunt and it binds them together. The racing community is opposed to the Bill because of the economic benefits attached to the hunt. There are four racecourses in County Meath in Laytown, Bellewstown, Navan and Fairyhouse. The Ward Union Hunt itself is the smallest part of the equation. It is quite a small organisation but the benefits that accrue from its activities are spread far and wide throughout the county.

The Ward Union Hunt itself would say that it has not got everything right in the past. People with a contrary view to mine have contacted me and the Minister in that regard. That must be acknowledged. However, in fairness to the Ward Union Hunt, it has made efforts to change and improve things and the improvements are noticeable.

Public safety is raised constantly. We cannot keep talking about an incident, however unfortunate, that took place four years ago in Kildalkey. We cannot keep harping on about that. An incident also occurred at Christmas. They are individual isolated incidents that occur every few years. It is unfortunate that the Minister could not be specific about another incident.

My biggest concern is that we are legislating to target one particular hunt. I question whether it is constitutional to do that. Has the Attorney General advised in that regard? Can one legislate to punish one individual or group? The legislation has similarities to the old Bills of attainder which are not constitutional. How can we as legislators target individuals, people we know? It is not right. They are doing things they and their ancestors have done for generations.

That is the way they live. My colleague and friend, Deputy Mary Wallace, referred to proportionality, which has constitutional implications. President McAleese might consider raising this Bill with the Counsel of State before assenting to it.

This is a very difficult issue for me. I am committed to the Government. I was elected to represent the Fianna Fáil Party in Meath-East and believe we are implementing the right economic policies to get the country back into shape. I must be committed to my constituents, who are absolutely opposed to this legislation. Why are we even spending time on it when there are so many other problems facing the people?

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