Vol. 482 No. 3
147 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views in relation to fox hunting and the objections raised to it by the Irish Council Against Blood Sports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17999/97]
Fox hunting has long been a part of the range of sporting activities undertaken in rural Ireland. I am, however, concerned to address certain practices which have come to be associated with the sport and in this regard my Department has been in discussion with the organisations which represent the majority of fox hunts in Ireland. These discussions have so far been positive.
I am fully aware of the views of the Irish Council Against Blood Sports in this matter. My Department recently met representatives of the council.
