Vol. 477 No. 5
283 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the progress, if any, which has been made in providing secure horse pounds around the country in order to implement the Control of Horses Act, 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9535/97]
284 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the current position regarding the implementation of the Control of Horses Act, 1996; the reason horses are still allowed to roam free; if he will ensure that new regulations are rigorously enforced during the onset of summer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9536/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 and 284 together.
The Control of Horses Act, 1996 (Commencement) Order, 1997 (S.I. No. 99 of 1997) brought the provisions of the Act dealing with horse control into operation from 18 March 1997. Regulations currently being drafted under the Act in relation to the licensing and identification of horses will be introduced shortly. I have provided £2 million in my Department's Vote for 1997 to assist local authorities in the implementation of the legislation. I understand that local authorities are currently in the process of drafting and publicising by-laws for horse control under the Act. The provision of pounds is a matter for the local authorities.
