Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
477. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 486 of 12 February 2026, if he will engage with an organisation and other animal welfare charities in relation to a specific case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13714/26]
View answer478. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 486 of 12 February 2026, the actions he will take to address the specific situation in relation to a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13715/26]
View answer479. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 486 of 12 February 2026, the actions he is taking to prevent sulky racing before it becomes a matter of road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13716/26]
View answer480. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding inspections related to the welfare of horses forced to participate in sulky racing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13717/26]
View answer481. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding any work ongoing in his Department in relation to the illegal and improper care and housing of horses and other animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13718/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 477 to 481, inclusive, together.
Parliamentary Question No. 486 of 12 February 2026, outlined the protections and enforcement measures, in place in relation to the welfare of equines. Parliamentary Question No. 486 of 12 February 2026, also highlighted that the use of sulkies on public roads is governed by the relevant provisions of the Roads and Road Traffic Acts, which are the legislative responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Transport and that drivers of all vehicles on public roads are required to comply with road traffic legislation, which is enforced by An Garda Síochána.
I am aware of the incident in question and I understand that it may be under investigation by An Garda Síochána, and as such, I am not in a position to comment.
