Mr. Martin Blake:

Deputy Penrose referred to rehoming and, in particular, education. As Mr Murphy indicated, we are tracking the level of rehoming. In 2018, 1,460 horses were seized under the Control of Horses Act 1996. Some 271 of those were rehomed and 133 were returned to their owners. That is a growing industry. It does not deal with the issue in its entirety, but it is an area we are working on and supporting. I mentioned education in my introduction as one of the issues highlighted to us in our consultation on the animal welfare strategy. That is not to say that we are not already involved in elements of education. We have several projects ongoing with welfare organisations and local authorities in Leitrim, Longford, Offaly, Sligo and Mayo. We are seeking to fund a number of education projects and riding welfare classes nationally.

We have provided funding for the online training programme provided by the Irish Horse Welfare Trust, IHWT, as part of those education courses. Funding has also been provided to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ISPCA, to allow it to provide training days with the Laois Traveller Action Group. The Department also continues to support programmes such as the Moyross equine education and therapy programme and Cherry Orchard Equine Centre. We are also funding two research projects through Pavee Point. The findings of the most recent project were published this week. In the context of our engagement with the local authority in Longford, we are working with it to find a facility for use by traveller families close to the town. The Department has also supported the provision of fencing to a project in north Meath. I understand that insurance issues have arisen but that is being progressed. In Sligo, a site has been selected and arrangements are being made through the local council for the provision of a number of stables. There are also projects in Carrick-on-Shannon and Kilkenny. The Department has, therefore, been working on the issue of urban horses and has sought to support and education.

Deputy Penrose also mentioned the Irish Harness Racing Association. The Department continues to work with that association in providing training under its auspices and with its support. We are funding that training for trotters and people who might be sulky racing on roads.

Deputy Martin Kenny raised issues concerning the variance in the value of horses. That is something we understand and acknowledge. We also note the points made concerning how funding is apportioned and that is something we can reflect upon. On the issue of the identification of horses, I gave some information regarding the level of microchipping and registration that is occurring. That is approaching nearly 90% of what we expect it to be. That has grown incrementally over the years. It is not where we want it to be yet but it is improving.

Turning to the database, I mentioned it in the context of dogs and horses. We have our own national database for horses, while a number of registration bodies have their own databases for dogs that can be interrogated by local authorities, ourselves or veterinary practitioners to investigate rehoming.

Senator Mulherin raised the issue of education. I hope I have addressed that point in the context of engaging with young people and Travellers. We have been trying to do that and we continue to want to do. It will feature strongly in our animal welfare strategy to be published later in the year.

Senator Conway-Walsh referred to research, which I mentioned in my comments on our animal welfare strategy. Research is one plank we have identified as something in which we need to continue to invest. We have already invested in some research projects, such as the project I mentioned in respect of Pavee Point. We have also invested in research on the welfare other animal species. We will be able to deal with research needs and the Department will take the lead in identifying research needs regarding any welfare issue affecting any animal species. I mentioned the "One Welfare" concept earlier. That also feeds into the issues mentioned regarding the well-being of people, the welfare of animals and the interconnectedness of those elements. We have recognised this issue and it will be featuring in our animal welfare strategy. We do recognise the benefits that animals bring to people and people bring to animals.