Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 31 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 2

Written Answers. - Dublin Traffic Management.

Noel Ahern

Question:

151 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation in relation to his Department or any agency under the aegis of his Department with regard to the control, powers, involvement, licensing of or co-operation with the horse drawn carriages on St. Stephen's Green or elsewhere; if these carriages are licensed or authorised; if these carriages must be insured against liability arising from damage or injury; if his attention has been drawn to the potential dangers of a runaway horse and carriage; if carriage operators are required to have any insurance or bond against which a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 can make a claim or seek compensation. [2624/01]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the regulations governing the operation of horse drawn carriages are contained in the Dublin Carriages Acts, 1853 – 1855. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda issues a licence to the proprietors of horse drawn vehicles each year. All carriages and horses are brought to the Carriage Office by their owners where carriages are examined by public service vehicle inspectors and horses are examined by a veterinary inspector from Dublin Corporation and a representative from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Trust. A micro-chip is inserted in the animal which can readily identify it at a later stage.

I understand that each carriage must display the carriage licence with a photograph of the owner attached, a brass plate, with the operators name and address, licence number, and the number of passengers the operator may carry as well as the new Dublin carriage plate. The operator must also wear and display the badge and carry a copy of his/her driving licence with a photo attached. There is no legal obligation to have insurance on these vehicles but it is prudent for any business concern to have appropriate insurance cover which is ultimately a matter for the individuals concerned.