Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the foxhunting and coursing exemptions in the Animal Welfare Bill can be removed.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41351/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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It is my intention to maintain provisions in the Animal Health and Welfare Bill relating to the lawful hunting and coursing of animals and I do not intend to interfere with legitimate field sports which are carried out in a proper manner. Where animals are released in an injured or exhausted condition or where a hare does not have a reasonable chance of escape, the sanctions and penalties set down in the Bill will apply.