Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 6

Written Answers. - Coursing Meetings.

John McGuinness

Question:

242 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his Department has received complaints regarding an alleged breach of Irish coursing club rules relating to events at Ballybeggan Park, Tralee, on 19 to 21 February 2000 and at the Tipperary coursing event which was also held in February 2000; if his Department has any function in monitoring these events or recording breaches of the agreement between the Irish Coursing Club; if so, the disciplinary procedures in place or agreed and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8993/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I refer the Deputy to Question No. 69 of 22 March 2000 on the same subject. While my Department is not legally required to monitor coursing, it does so on an informal basis and deals with complaints received. I am satisfied that adequate procedures are in place to ensure that coursing is run on a proper basis.