Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Let me be clear. This is not an anti-Traveller measure; the provision is based on an animal-welfare perspective. I want to ensure that those who purchase animals are able to look after them, have space for them and have the means to feed and shelter them properly. We now have a series of obligations in law that attach to animal ownership. Are we to prosecute 14 and 15 year olds for breaching the law if they are not providing adequate shelter and feed to animals they have purchased? This is when an issue arises. I understand horse ownership is part of Traveller culture but we must protect the welfare of the animal in that context. It is a question of getting the balance right.

Obligations arise in respect of the buying and selling of horses. I refer to passports, microchipping and the provision of the address at which the horse will be kept. We will have to find solutions for people who are of no fixed abode in that context. The problem is even more complex if the person with no fixed abode is a minor.

I do not want this measure to be sold as one that is targeting one community because that would not be fair. If an animal is being sold, there ought to be some protection in law to ensure the purchaser has the means and ability to look after it.