Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Boylan for raising this issue. She has pointed out in a cogent way the issue with section 38. I will follow up on section 38A and I will ask the Department again to follow up with the local authorities on this. There may be a specific reason for it. I find that in the main those working in this area in local authorities do their job in a very deliberate and compassionate way.

Senator Boylan has spoken about the recoupment of costs. The steering group is up and running and I will ask the Department to look at it. The substance of what Senator Boylan is saying is that she wants section 38 examined to see whether we can find a mechanism whereby horses can be re-homed quickly. This is the essence of the matter. I will take it up with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Minister.