Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2018
657. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the consequences of coursing clubs not adhering to their licence conditions; the number of such breaches recorded in 2016 and 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4010/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring the 2015/16 coursing season, my Department sanctioned two coursing clubs (Thurles, Co. Tipperary and Doon, Co. Limerick) due to non-co-operation with Departmental officials by reducing the number of courses run during their meetings. Doon coursing club subsequently cancelled the holding of their meeting.
During the 2016/17 coursing season my Department published three reports on incidents at the Rathdowney, Co. Laois, Loughrea, Co. Galway and Ballinagar, Co. Offaly meetings in relation to alleged breaches of the conditions of the licences issued to the Irish Coursing Club on behalf of its affiliated club. These reports are available on the Department's website. Following the Department’s investigation of the incident at Rathdowney, my Department directed that their meeting should not take place.
I am aware of the reports of National Parks and Wildlife Service officers of my Department in relation to coursing meetings monitored during the current 2017/18 coursing season. All issues arising from such reports will be reviewed and considered in the context of licenses for the 2018/19 coursing season.
