Hare Coursing Regulation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2018

Tuesday, 20 February 2018

Questions (621)

Clare Daly

Question:

621. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a club (details supplied) held a meeting in adverse weather conditions on 11 February 2018 putting the welfare of the dogs and hares at risk; and if her Department will review licensing conditions to take into consideration adverse weather conditions that compromise the safety and welfare of the animals that are exploited for the purposes of hare coursing events. [8231/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

It is my understanding that the Deputy is referring to the National Coursing Meeting held on 10th, 11th and 12th February last.  This coursing meeting was monitored by officials from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department on each of the three days of the meeting.  In addition, officials of my Department monitored the trials for this meeting.  The officials have reported that they did not find any issues of concern relating to the conditions of the licences granted to the ICC.  This monitoring report will be published on the NPWS website in due course.