Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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183. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position in regard to public money and animal welfare (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19738/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department has had extended correspondence with the person referred to by the deputy in relation to this matter and has explained the position to him on many occasions. In addition, HRI and the Turf Club have confirmed to my Department that they have fully examined all matters under their remit in respect of this issue, and that they have apprised the person concerned of the outcome. My Department has advised the person concerned that the matters raised were outside its remit but that he was at liberty to refer the matter to An Garda Síochána for further investigation if he wished.

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 was commenced on the 6^thMarch 2014 and, arising from its commencement, all animal welfare matters now come within the remit of my Department. However, the position is that the Act does not have retrospective effect, and therefore matters which took place prior to the 6^thMarch 2014 and were not part of the remit of my Department at that time remain outside my Department’s competence.