asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that the death of a young man was caused in the Fairfield area of Cork city as a result of a collision with a wandering horse believed to be the property of an itinerant in the district; and that the continual wandering of itinerants' horses in the Fairfield, Farranree and Churchfield areas of Cork city is a grave inconvenience to residents in the area; and if he will take steps to ensure the abatement of this nuisance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wandering Animals on Public Roads.
131.
Mr. Barrett
I am aware of the fatality referred to. The Garda appreciate the problems caused by wandering horses in Cork and are doing what they can to deal with the situation. The Garda co-operate fully with corporation officials in dealing with wandering animals, but the presence of numbers of itinerants on a large area of unfenced corporation land is the root of the trouble.
One hundred and fifteen prosecutions were instituted in the year ended 30th September, 1966, against persons whose animals were on the roads in the McCurtain Street Garda District and in the period since 1st December, 1966, 45 horses found in the North City area were impounded by the Garda.
132.
asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been directed to the many accidents which occur as a result of animals wandering on the public roads; and if he will take steps to see that action will be taken in the future in this regard.
I am aware that wandering animals are a hazard on the roads and that they are, from time to time, the cause of accidents.
The Garda have explicit instructions to take action against the owners of wandering animals and I have no reason to think that they are in any way neglectful of their duties in this regard.
Is the Minister aware that certain insurance companies are not prepared to meet their obligation if animals continue to wander on the roads?
I am surprised at that. I should be very glad to have information about it.
I shall be glad to furnish the Minister with particulars.