Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
154. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if the stakeholder consultation process has been completed in relation to the horse-drawn carriages Bill; and when this Bill will be brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas. [63278/22]
View answer161. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if the stakeholder consultation process has been completed regarding the horse-drawn carriages Bill; and when this Bill will be brought before Dáil Éireann. [63374/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 161 together.
As the Deputy is already aware, the development of legislation of this nature, which involves the repeal of legislation which pre-dates the foundation of the State, is complex and technical and so I am unable to provide a definitive timeline for the completion of this work. This issue spans the responsibilities of several Departments and levels of government. Consultations with stakeholders are ongoing at present.
Regulations for horse-drawn carriages for hire or reward should be aligned with any horse welfare obligations imposed by local authorities and, therefore, horse-drawn carriages for hire and reward should be regulated by local authorities, which is the intention of the current draft primary legislation. Once the current process of stakeholder engagement has been satisfactorily completed, which is planned for Q1 2023, I will seek Government approval for the detailed drafting of a Horse-Drawn Carriages Bill. This is required before it can be introduced to the Oireachtas with a view to its eventual enactment.
