Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

The Taoiseach will agree that Deputies on this side of the House have been very responsible in not seeking to make political capital out of the extent of gun murders in recent years, compared to the conduct of Fianna Fáil when in Opposition. The two assassinations of last evening showed that this is out of control. Has the Taoiseach any special measure in mind to deal with the situation?

My second matter is one I have raised with the Taoiseach previously. It is the number of abandoned horses, particularly in County Dublin but also in other counties, and the manner in which they are being abused or left starving and, in some cases, dead. People concerned with animal welfare tell me the local authorities cannot deal with the problem because they cannot get the necessary assistance from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. What can the Taoiseach do on this matter?

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