Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 8

Written Answers. - Road Accidents.

Ivor Callely

Question:

240 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of recent road accidents where it is understood wandering horses were partly responsible; the measures he intends to put in place to adequately address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19311/97]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of recent road accidents for which wandering horses may have been partly responsible is not readily available. This information could only be obtained by the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources. The Garda supply details of all road accidents, including accidents involving animals, to the National Roads Authority which publishes an annual report entitled "Road Accident Facts", copies of which are available from that authority.

The Control of Horses Act, 1996, which was enacted by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry, and the regulations made under the Act, give local authorities and the Garda powers to deal with the problem of wandering horses. As the primary responsibility for the operation of the Act, which came into force last March, lies with the local authorities, I have brought the concerns of the Deputy to the attention of the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I have also brought his concerns to the attention of the Garda Commissioner.