Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
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552. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason no clean up after storm Éowyn has commenced in Killinthomas Woods, Rathangan; the timescale for when this will happen (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9096/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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It is my understanding that Killinthomas Woods is owned and managed by Coillte. As Coillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988, day-to-day operational matters, such as the maintenance of this forest, are the responsibility of the company.

I have referred the matter to Coillte for direct follow-up with the Deputy.

Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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553. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of an incident in Glanmire, Cork recently that saw the body of a horse left with seven other horses on land for multiple days in very poor conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9102/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously and responds to any reports of alleged animal cruelty or legislative non-compliance. Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner.

The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and appropriate enforcement action is taken where breaches or shortcomings are identified. My Department is aware of this incident but cannot comment on individual cases which may be the subject of investigation. Primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of equines rests with the owner or keeper.

My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation to Phone No 01 607 2379 and email address .