Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy O'Sullivan for raising this issue. I will take the opportunity to briefly address the "RTÉ Investigates" programme that aired last night. The scenes we saw on the programme were shocking and appalling. The mistreatment of horses that we saw was absolutely unacceptable. We have strict laws in this country in relation to the welfare of animals as well as the traceability of animals. It was very distressing to watch that. My Department is already working with the gardaí investigating those particular instances and the full rigours of the law will be applied in relation to that. It is also important to say that it is not reflective of the care and attention or the lives that our horses are afforded and the welfare that is taken so seriously by people in the industry. However, we were all shocked by what we saw last night. It simply will not be tolerated.

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue, particularly as we take equine welfare and traceability seriously. There is a commitment in the programme for Government to prioritise equine welfare and to build on existing inspectorate supports throughout the country, ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare. My Department provides funding to local authorities as a contribution towards the costs incurred by them in the operation of the Control of Horses Act 1996. Enforcement of the Act is a matter for each relevant authority.

The Control of Horses Act 1996 is currently under review within my Department. Plans for replacement legislation are well advanced. The aim of this replacement legislation is to simplify and clarify procedures in the Act in terms of seizure and disposal of horses. My Department undertook a stakeholder consultation late last year on the control of horses legislation with submissions sought by November last. Four submissions were received. These were from the Veterinary Council of Ireland, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Burren Rescue and the County and City Management Association.

See this speech in context