Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1389. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the illegal use of lurcher dogs for coursing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41591/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Illegal hunting, as referred to by the deputy, is a breach of the Wildlife Act and is a matter for the Gardaí and/or the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Coursing, which does not involve lurchers, is regulated under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 by the Irish Coursing Club (ICC) subject to the general control and direction of Bord na gCon.

ICC affiliated coursing clubs assist both authorities in this regard by reporting and preventing illegal hunting and by patrolling hare preserves.

I understand that there have been a number of successful prosecutions in this regard.

If the Deputy is aware of any incidents of illegal hunting these should be brought to the attention of the Gardaí and or/the National Parks and Wildlife Service.