Hare Coursing

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2017

Tuesday, 7 March 2017

Questions (61)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

61. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of the methodology behind the figure that more than 99% of hares used for coursing meetings are released unharmed back into the wild as she has previously stated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11744/17]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Figures available to my Department for the 2015/16 hare coursing season indicate that of the 5,348 hares captured for use at coursing meetings, some 5,312 or 99% were released back into the wild. I will arrange for the Deputy to be furnished directly with the calculation methodology.

The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.