Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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160. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding riding stables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33959/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Sport Horse industry is an industry that has been supported by respective Governments down through the years. I am very much aware of its importance to the economy and the desire for all involved to resume all activities as soon as possible.

It is clear that Covid 19 is having a major effect on all sports, including Equine Sports. Ireland is currently at Level 5 in the fight against the disease. Whilst endeavouring to manage risk and repair the damage it has inflicted on society, the country must be informed and guided by public health professionals, the advice of NPHET and relevant Government decisions. A Framework for Restrictive Measures has been developed to help us to go about our daily lives as much as possible, while managing the behaviour of the virus (reference: 'Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19').

It is regrettable that equestrian events are not to open at present, however, as you are aware the actions taken to protect public health are understandably paramount at this time.

Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
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161. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if foxhunting with hounds and all related activities have been stopped during level 5 restrictions; and if a ban will be introduced due to the cruelty to foxes and the public health concerns associated with large groups of hunters gathering and traversing the countryside. [34036/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has issued a list which is available on gov.ie which sets out, among others things, guidance/direction as to purposes for essential travel (beyond 5Km), essential retail outlets, essential services, essential wholesale and retail trade and support activities which is available here: .. Fox hunting with hounds does not appear on this list.

On the general matter of hunting, the Deputy will be aware that detailed debate was held around the issue during the passage of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and the Dail voted overwhelmingly to allow the continuation of fox hunting in accordance with an appropriate Code of Conduct. The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 specifically prohibits the hunting of animals which have been released in an injured, mutilated or exhausted condition.

The Act also allows for the establishment of codes of practice and for the adoption of codes published by other persons for the purposes of providing practical guidance relating to any aspect of the Act, including fox hunting. Voluntary codes of practice have been established by The Hunting Association of Ireland which detail the conduct to be adhered to in respect of the hunting of foxes and the treatment of the animal during the hunt. The Code prohibits the hunting of foxes where the animal is injured and advocates the humane disposal of a fox when captured. The code also takes into account local concerns and the concerns of the landowner(s) on whose land hunting takes place.

My Department has no plans to change the existing legislation.