Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 8

Written Answers. - Wandering Horses.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

244 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the worsening problem of wandering horses in Dublin city; the main provisions of his proposed control of wandering horses legislation; when the Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5822/96]

Pat Upton

Ceist:

246 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the action, if any, he will take to deal effectively with the menace caused by wandering horses in Dublin. [5510/96]

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

247 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the current crisis which exists in the Dublin area regarding uncontrolled horses; if his attention has been further drawn to the cruelty which is being inflicted on these horses, the widespread damage which these horses are causing to public open spaces and property generally and the danger which they pose to the public, especially children; if he will expedite matters in order that this unacceptable situation can be dealt with immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5515/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 244, 246, 247 and 248 together.

I am aware of the problems posed by horses in urban areas and, following examination of the issue by a consultative group from the Departments of Justice, Environment and my own Department, the Garda Síochána, Dublin Corporation and South Dublin County Council, I proposed a general scheme of a Bill to deal with the matter. The general scheme, which was approved by the Government in December 1995, makes provision for local authorities to licence horses and that horses be identified, registered and kept under control. Provision is also made for seizure and detention of stray horses, for the recovery of costs and penalties for breaches of the legislation. The text of the Bill is currently being drafted. I have referred the matter to the Dáil Select Committee on Enterprise and Economic Strategy, which will examine the proposals on 17 April. I intend to have the Bill published as soon as possible after that.