Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

560. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will implement measures to combat the racing of horses on public roads. [31653/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Activities on the public road involving the racing of horses in harness and or sulky racing for example, are governed by the Road Traffic Acts. This legislation imposes an obligation on the person engaged in such activity to exercise due care for other road users and not to indulge in dangerous driving. Under the Control of Horses Act 1996, Local Authorities have powers to create exclusion areas in bye-laws prohibiting persons from having a horse in an area except for bona fide reasons and these powers could extend to horses used in harness or sulky racing. The newly commenced Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provide appropriate powers where horse welfare problems, or potential horse welfare problems, are observed. My officials are working closely with An Garda Siochána and with the local authorities in this matter.