Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 October 2019
224. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will meet with an organisation (details supplied) and others with an interest in animal welfare to discuss the issue of the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus and the netting of hares. [43684/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently made a decision to ease the suspension of the annual license for the capturing and tagging of hares for coursing meetings on a managed and restricted basis and only in areas unaffected by the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD2) virus. I also have agreed that a number of field studies at some coursing clubs, which will involve veterinary and virology expertise and input, will be carried out to supplement existing knowledge of the prevalence and nature of RHD2 in hares.
I am keeping the matter under active review and I am considering a request from the organisation in question.
