Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

It is disappointing that the Minister of State will not say "Yes" or "No". This area is within the remit of the Minister of State. I would like to see a ban on hare coursing but that is not within the remit of the Minister of State. However, this is within the remit of the Minister of State.

From a conservation perspective, we should take the precautionary approach and decide to protect and conserve our species. We must have the scientific data to do that. We do not have it in this instance. I appeal to the Minister of State to look further and perhaps talk to the senior Minister. I call on him to suspend the licences until we have that data. Untold damage could be taking place at the moment. This is a highly contagious disease. Allowing the netting and capturing of these hares could be spreading it throughout the population. We cannot afford to let that happen. I call on the Minister of State to suspend the licensing.

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