Austin Currie
Ceist:67 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself with the progress made in implementing the control of Horses Act, 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20761/97]
Written Answers. - Control of Horses.
As I stated in the Dáil on 18 November, implementation of this Act is primarily for the local authorities, who have been given wide powers to designate control areas, as well as powers of detention, seizure, etc. , with effect from 18 March 1997, when the Act was brought into operation. In view of renewed public concern about wandering horses in the Dublin area, where the problem is largely concentrated, my Department met senior representatives of the four Dublin authorities recently with a view to ensuring that progress with implementation is expedited. I understand that each local authority with a "wandering horse" problem is working towards effective implementation of the Act with its functional area, although for a variety of reasons there are variations in the rate of progress in this regard. I have made it known that I want the problem dealt with as soon as possible in all areas, and my Department is providing grant assistance to local authorities towards this end.