Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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146. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether a ban on fox hunting should be introduced. [25589/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 is a significant piece of legislation which replaced a wide range of animal health and welfare legislation dating back over a century, including the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965.

A debate was held around the issue of hunting during the passage of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and the Dáil voted overwhelmingly to allow the continuation of fox hunting in accordance with an appropriate Code of Conduct.

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 also takes into account local concerns and the concerns of the landowner(s) on whose land hunting takes place.

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 (the Act) specifically prohibits the hunting of animals which have been released in an injured, mutilated, or exhausted condition. Where a specific case of animal neglect or cruelty is identified, offences may be prosecuted under the Act.

I am satisfied with the instruments in place and there are no plans to change the existing legislation.