asked the Minister for Local Government if it is his intention to initiate proposals for legislation to amend the law relating to wandering horses on the public highway, in view of the fact that the existing law is inadequate to deal with the problem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wandering Horses.
54.
In so far as the law on roads and road traffic is concerned, the question of amending it in regard to this subject will be considered as part of a general review of that law.
Will the Minister state when the general review will take place in view of the urgency of the subject matter of my question?
At present the law is that if an obstruction is likely to be caused a prosecution under section 98 would be warranted. There is a law to deal with the matter. I agree with the Deputy that this is a serious matter in a number of areas, particularly around cities and towns. If people who have reason to complain would bring the matter to the notice of the Garda, and if they do not act, to the Department of Justice, the law might be administered.
Unfortunately the position is that a number of people have been killed because of wandering horses, particularly at night-time on suburban roads. As the Minister has said, under section 98 the owner of the animal may be prosecuted but it is almost impossible to establish ownership. Would the Minister consider as a matter of urgency that the law needs to be amended? I appreciate there is an existing law but it is ineffective. If it is bad law it should not be on the statute book.
An effort was made in 1968 to amend it but the then Minister would not accept an amendment because of the implications for farmers in relation to fences. I agree with the Deputy it is a serious matter and I would be prepared to agree that the matter must be looked at very closely.
The Minister has given a very thin answer. He agrees the law is bad and he tells us the matter will be reviewed. Can he state when it will be dealt with?
The original Act was passed in 1951. In 1968 a Bill went through this House and the Deputy then supported the Minister who was responsible for the Bill. He voted against a provision being included in the Bill. It is a bit thick that he should now berate me.
The Minister is responsible now.
The Minister is always looking back to the bad times.
They are so easy to remember, there were so many of them.
I am always prepared, in my humble fashion, to say I was wrong. The Minister, who is quite incapable of saying he is wrong. might take the view that he will correct the situation in 1975. I look forward to legislation in early 1975 to rectify the situation.
It is better to travel hopefully than to arrive.
Deputies are seeking to debate the matter. It is not in order at Question Time.
It is a very serious matter——
I have told the Deputy we cannot debate the matter.
It is a matter for the Minister's conscience.
The Deputy will have to find another time to debate this matter. I am calling Question No. 55.