Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her question. I know this is an area she is very passionate about, but I wish to make clear that issues relating to welfare and cruelty are a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and not me as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. My interest and area of responsibility is in the conservation of the hare. The scientific evidence available tells me that the conservation status of the hare is good. I do not have any concerns about the conservation of the hare, and welfare issues are a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

I have not received a formal request for a meeting but if people wish to meet me, they can contact my office and we will try to accommodate them.

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