Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Oct 1992

Vol. 423 No. 1

Written Answers. - Coursing Club Disease Outbreak.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

408 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the reported outbreak of disease, possible coccidiosis, at a coursing club (details supplied) in County Offaly which indicated that up to 27 hares have died from an infectious disease; the action, if any, he is taking in relation to this matter; whether inspectors from his Department attended the coursing meeting in Edenderry on 3 and 4 October; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I have had inquiries made regarding this matter and I have been assured that no outbreaks of disease have occurred among the hares held by the club in question and that the suggestion that up to 27 hares died whether from an infectious disease or from any other cause is incorrect.

My Department has no direct function in the supervision of coursing meetings. Coursing is controlled by the Irish Coursing Club subject to the overall control of Bord na gCon.