Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad the Minister has confirmed that she is progressing with the idea of a pilot scheme for either this year or next year. While recognising that the opinion of the ICC have been sought already, I would ask how the welfare groups, such as Irish Council Against Blood Sports, ICABS, have an input. Can they now contact the Department? Is there someone they can talk to? Of course, the licence currently states that one cannot do this activity. One cannot traffic in or reuse hares, but the reason the issue of microchipping is being raised is it is difficult to police that, even with the tagging. There have been some graphic examples of unscrupulous characters hanging around outside coursing events selling on hares to clubs.

This is a significant concern for many rural communities as well. Gardaí in Kerry have been on the airwaves about pursuing these hunters who are coming onto land, collecting hares which they should not be doing and then "casing the joint" as well. It is necessary that we would move to the next stage.

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