Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would really like to see that happen but I cannot pay for it. My job under the Control of Horses Act is to provide the finance to allow local authorities to deal with stray horses. However, I strongly encourage local authorities to try to find the resources to allow for managed settings to permit the Traveller community, in particular, to interact with and own horses. Its members have a strong emotional connection with horses. It is a powerful connection but it is not an excuse to allow for the welfare of animals to be compromised. When stray horses are vulnerable, we will act. We will insist on the regulations being abided by in terms of the microchipping of and issuing of passports for horses and knowing the addresses where they are kept. This is now a requirement under EU regulations and Irish law. Following the passage of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill, there is also a responsibility on animal owners to look after the welfare of their animals, be those owners farmers, pet owners in an urban environment or members of a minority community. We will enforce the regulations and send out a very strong and clear signal that owning an animal is not only a privilege but also a responsibility. Of course, I would like to see local authorities assisting communities that want to own horses, but this has to be in the context of looking after the welfare of those animals and abiding by the regulations.