Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Last year, 24,000 horses were destroyed in our meat factories. The number this year has reduced to 6,000 because of the tightening up of regulations since the horsemeat scandal. This means we are effectively left with up to 20,000 unwanted horses. We all know the evidence of this because we have seen it ourselves. In addition, there is anecdotal evidence that many of these unwanted horses are being kept in unsuitable environments, very often owned by teenagers or even children who are not caring for them properly but are using them until they are finished with them. These horses are unkempt and their hooves are not looked after. It is a disgrace that it is happening.

As the Leader will have the Minister, Deputy Coveney, to the House shortly, I ask that this issue be on the agenda when he comes. It is surprising the Minister stated in today's edition of The Irish Times that while his Department has a comprehensive strategy in place for the taking into care of unwanted animals, he does not see there is enough need for it at this stage. Deputy Coveney is a very good Minister but he obviously does not have his eye on the ball on this issue. This is an embarrassing and shameful story for we, the Irish, who rightfully claim to be horse lovers. We have always put forward the positive side of the horse racing industry and, as the Cathaoirleach knows, facing into the winter season, we have had Tony McCoy with his 4,000 winners and all the rest of it. This is the downside of that story. I appeal to the Leader to ensure it is brought to the attention of Minister.

Like everybody else, I am delighted to see Ms Jody Blake back with us in fine fettle. I sympathise with Senator Eamonn Coghlan on the death of his mother. I express my shock and deep concern at the accident to our great friend, Senator Jimmy Harte.

I hope and pray that he will make a full recovery.