Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
1319. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will introduce a system of licensing and regulating the use of horse-drawn vehicles on public roads in a number of areas (details supplied); and if a country-wide ban on sulky racing similar to the by-laws created in Kilkenny city and county will also be considered. [19526/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to advise the Deputy that drivers of horse-drawn vehicles, like all vehicles used in a public place, are required to comply with road traffic legislation, and are responsible for behaving in a safe manner. It is an offence to organise an unlicensed race on a public road.
There is at present no licensing regime for drivers of animal-drawn vehicles comparable to the system of driver licensing for mechanically propelled vehicles, nor are animal-drawn vehicles subject to NCT-type tests. I have no plans at present to change the law in this regard. The matter of licences for horse ownership, as well as the question of chipping animals, and animal welfare, fall within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Agriculture.
