Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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414. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the action he will take in relation to the Ward Hunt proposing to hunt a deer on Stephen's Day by exploiting the wording of section 23A(1) with the advertisement that no animals are intentionally injured or killed during the hunt, and that the hound does not attack or bring down the deer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55524/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010 makes it an offence for a person on foot to hunt a deer with two or more dogs unless such activity is specifically permitted under section 29 or section 42 of the Principal Act.

My Department understands that the Ward Union Hunt has operated a drag hunt since the enactment of the 2010 legislation which involves the following by a pack of hounds of a scent which has been laid or dragged over a course. It is understood that such a drag hunt was carried out on St. Stephen’s Day and that no deer were involved in the hunt.