Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

415. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of the Horse-Drawn Carriages Bill; when it will be presented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47077/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government agreed, in December 2019, to develop a comprehensive General Scheme of a Bill to legislate in relation to Horse Drawn Carriages, in line with advice from the Attorney General. My Department undertook to consult directly with Dublin City Council in relation to the drafting of the Bill. This matter did not progress in 2020 as planned due to the need to reprioritise other work areas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since then, some initial scoping work on the Bill has taken place, but work is at an early stage in terms of progressing the Bill due to other primary transport legislation being progressed currently. The timeline for the Bills progression is dependent on other legislative priorities.

I wish to assure you that officials remain committed to progressing this piece of legislation to ensure that the Council is provided with an appropriate legal basis to regulate this area, and the Bill remains on the Government’s legislative programme.

It is important to note that other legislation is in place in relation to animal welfare matters which are dealt with by the Department for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, people in possession of a protected animal, including horses, must ensure the animal is kept and treated in a manner that safeguards their health and welfare. Failure to do this is considered an offence under that Act.

In addition, section 33 of the Control of Horses Act 1996 provides that An Garda Siochána may compel individuals in control of horses to obtain necessary attention from a veterinarian if the horse is in pain, distress, neglect or is severely injured, diseased or in need of veterinary attention. Failure to comply is an offence.

Furthermore, the drivers of all vehicles used on public roads, including horse-drawn carriages, are required to comply with road traffic legislation and to behave in a safe manner paying due care to other road users. The enforcement of such road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.