Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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150. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will support a ban on fox hunting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66426/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Government is fully committed to upholding standards in animal welfare and ensuring compliance with legislation. 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 strongly condemn any cruelty or mistreatment of animals. My Department operates an Animal Welfare Helpline 01 607 2373 and a dedicated email address: AnimalWelfare@agriculture.gov.ie which facilitates the reporting by members of the public of any suspicion of animal cruelty taking place – whether within the realm of a farming situation or a sporting or recreational activity or indeed in a public place or an urban setting. All calls received are treated in confidence and are followed up by authorised officers

There are currently no plans to change the existing legislation in relation to fox hunting