Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)

The use of the snare involves extended periods of suffering for badgers, leaving the young unattended. I do not understand how we, as a humane country, can justify the use of such a cruel instrument. A recent newspaper article reported that people engaged in badger baiting in the North of Ireland had been arrested. We need to ensure much more humane treatment of animals. The Minister and I will have to agree to disagree about whether badger culling is effective in eradicating TB.

See this speech in context