Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
466. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will engage with animal welfare organisations in relation to their specific concerns related to sulky racing on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29515/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra467. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether existing legislation is sufficient to address specific concerns related to sulky racing on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29518/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra468. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will engage with An Garda Síochána in relation to specific concerns related to sulky racing on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29519/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra469. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the number of prosecutions in the past five years specifically related to sulky racing and related offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29522/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra470. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to an animal welfare case (details supplied); his views on whether existing animal welfare legislation is sufficient to address cases such as this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29524/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra471. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the merits of establishing a standalone Garda animal crime unit to address extreme cases of animal cruelty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29536/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 466, 467, 468, 469, 470 and 471 together.
I am aware of the report to which the Deputy refers.
Animal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. My Department strongly condemns the mistreatment of any animal and takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society.
The use of sulkies on public roads, as with the use of all vehicles, including animal-drawn vehicles, is governed by the relevant provisions of the Roads and Road Traffic Acts. Matters in connection with this legislation are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport. In addition, the drivers of all vehicles used on public roads, including horse-drawn carriages, are required to comply with road traffic legislation and to behave in a safe manner paying due care to other road users. The enforcement of such road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána, who have responsibility in relation to prosecutions regarding breaches of this legislation. My Department does not hold records on the number of prosecutions in the past five years specifically related to sulky racing, this information can be requested from An Garda Síochána directly.
My Department is committed to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare. In this regard, my Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, local authorities and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.
The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to build on existing inspectorate supports across the country, ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare. It must be emphasised that primary responsibility for the health and welfare of equines lies with the owner or keeper.
In 2025, a process was initiated to develop a new animal welfare strategy, which will act as a framework for engagement and collaboration to direct future activities with the aim of benefiting both animals and Irish society. Development of the strategy is now well underway following broad stakeholder engagement including a non-statutory public consultation that was launched on November 19th and ran to January 2nd. In excess of 1750 individual submissions were received as part of that process.
The new strategy will continue to adopt a ‘One Health, One Welfare’ approach, acknowledging and valuing the inter-dependencies between human, animal and environmental health, and taking an evidence-led approach to policy making, target-setting, monitoring and evaluation. I expect to launch the new welfare strategy in Q2, 2026.
Also in 2025, my Department published Professor Patrick Wall’s report on equine traceability and welfare and prepared an action plan to implement its recommendations, which is progressing.
Under the Animal Welfare Grants programme, in December 2025, my Department provided funding of almost €6.5 million to 94 animal welfare charities throughout the country. Of that figure, just over €4 million was awarded to charities involved in the care and welfare of horses.
I am satisfied that these measures provide a comprehensive framework and sufficient safeguards to ensure the welfare of animals and currently there are no plans to establish another authority. The deployment of Garda resources is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. The dedicated email address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie
