Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister referred to horse fairs. These are primarily associated with Traveller culture. Most 14, 15 and 16 year old Travellers that I know have horses. It is a cultural practice.

I fully accept that there are those who have ill treated animals on having acquired ownership but one must not generalise. One should not penalise an entire community or everybody under 16 because of the actions of a few. This applies to every age group in society.