Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

From 2015 to date, the Department has spent more than €2 million on urban horse projects. Last year, €6 million in funding went to 101 animal welfare charities throughout the country under the animal welfare grant programme. Of that figure, just over €3.4 million was awarded to charities involved in the care and welfare of horses.

On a personal level, I will say that the Deputy has done a great service to the people of Limerick in raising this. It is not just today that he has done so. He has been in continuous contact with the Department about this matter on behalf of his constituents. He is a very strong person on this. I recognise that, as does the Minister, Deputy Heydon. We should do everything we can collectively to put our shoulders to the wheel to try to stop this horrible practice. When I was a young person starting out, every day my day's work involved working with a horse by the name of Billy, so the Deputy will appreciate how I feel about this very important matter. I see some of the absolute horrific cruelty that horses have to endure. The Deputy is correct in what he said. It is upsetting for everybody, especially young people, to see animals being mistreated in this way. It is horrible beyond belief. The Minister and the Department will do everything they can.

As can be seen from the statistics, enough funding is going through. The charitable organisations are doing their work, but at the end of the day it is very hard to legislate for other people's behaviour. This whole acceptance by certain people that they can do whatever they like because it is only an animal is what we have to get away from. A horse is to be treated in the kindest possible way. Horses are beautiful animals and to see this happening on our streets and in our urban areas, or any area, is totally wrong. The Deputy is doing a great service for the people by raising this most important matter. I thank him for doing so in a sound, solid way.

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