Political Views - Blood Sports in Ireland

What are your politicians saying about blood sports

The Irish Council Against Blood Sports campaigns enjoy cross-party support. Please contact your anti-blood sports TDs/Senators to praise their efforts to get hunting and coursing banned. If your TD/Senator is in favour of animal cruelty, please let them know that their stance will affect your future voting decisions.

Find out the name of your TDs and Senators and MEPs
Email addresses for TDs and Senators

For more information, visit our Politicians page

Views of current TDs

View TDs by constituency
View alphabetical list of TDs
Political Parties and blood sports
Views of Senators

Views of current TDs
Listed by Constituency

* CARLOW KILKENNY

Phil Hogan, TD (FG, Carlow Kilkenny):
Fine Gael environment spokesman Phil Hogan wrote to hunting associations in recent days, setting out the party's commitment to "oppose any change to existing licensing arrangements for stag hunting". The letter said that the party would "reverse any changes made by the present government in that regard" if it assumed government after the next general election. (From the Sunday Business Post, February 21, 2010)

"The Fine Gael Party is opposing every section of this legislation, including section 1 which sets out the definitions of the two Acts referred to in the Bill. We do not even agree that it should be entitled the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Committee and Remaining Stages, 29 June 2010 - http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-06-29.475.0 Deputy Hogan voted against the Bill which banned staghunting.

"Fine Gael believes the hunt plays an important cultural and economic role in rural Ireland..."
Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, 24 June 2010
http://debates.oireachtas.ie/DDebate.aspx?F=DAL20100624.xml&Ex=All&Page=9

In January 2012, ICABS expressed disgust to Environment Minister Phil Hogan after he was photographed presenting a trophy at a hare coursing meeting. The Minister posed with the cup for a winning greyhound which had earlier bashed into a hare and sent it tumbling head over heels. More...

John Paul Phelan, TD (Fine Gael, Carlow Kilkenny):
"At a recent meet of the Kilmoganny Hounds, members were canvassed for their support by successful Fine Gael candidates Tom Hayes (Tipperary South) and John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny)". From the Hunting Association of Ireland website. An accompanying photo shows "Tom Hayes and John Paul Phelan at a recent meet of the Kilmoganny Hounds" next to horses and hounds. (2011)

"I will not be supporting any ban on stag hunting." (2010)

* CAVAN MONAGHAN

Caoimhghin O Caolain, TD (Sinn Fein, Cavan Monaghan):
"I am totally opposed to live hare coursing."

* CORK EAST

Sean Sherlock, TD (Labour, Cork East):
"I am in favour of field sports and coursing and I have been at greyhound meetings. The people I represent are those who rear pups." Stated by Sean Sherlock during the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Second Stage, 8 July 2010.

"Cork East TD Sean Sherlock said he would reserve comment on stag hunting until the matter had been discussed internally. 'I believe there must be some sort of regulation but we must not regulate field sports out of existence.'" (Irish Times, April 29, 2010)

Sandra McLellan TD (Sinn Fein, Cork East):
"I acknowledge the contribution made by the vast majority of those involved in greyhound racing and coursing to the sporting and cultural landscape in Ireland, and in rural Ireland in particular, and to the welfare of dogs." From a Dail debate on the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2011, 30 June 2011

* CORK NORTH WEST

Michael Creed, TD (FG, Cork North West):
In a statement issued in October 2009, Michael Creed, TD stated: "Fine Gael supports country sports which are carried out humanely, properly supervised and monitored and that do not involve any undue risk to animal welfare. If these criteria can be satisfied Fine Gael does not oppose properly licensed country sports activities. Fine Gael will oppose any move by Government to deny groups who have conducted their activities as per their licences, the right to continue to pursue these activities in the future. We believe that imposing a ban on these licensed activities would be a retrograde step both in terms of animal welfare and economically. "

Fine Gael's Spokesperson for Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, Michael Creed, has been asked by ICABS to stop defending the cruel blood sport of beagling. In a Sunday Independent report, the County Cork TD sided with the beaglers and criticised Minister John Gormley for restricting the beagling season. The June 1st 2008 article quoted Deputy Creed as saying that "any assault on the ordinary working man's pursuit of beagling by some Green metropolitan latte-drinking elite would not be taken lying down". For more information, see ICABS responds to Deputy Michael Creed's beagling remarks

Michael Moynihan TD (Fianna Fail, Cork North West):
"Those involved in the industry and coursing clubs are genuine, decent and honourable people, providing employment and entertainment and maintaining animal welfare standards second to none." From a Dail debate on the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2011, 30 June 2011

* CORK SOUTH CENTRAL

Micheal Martin, TD (Fianna Fail, Cork South Central ):
Speaking on RTE's Questions and Answers on 20th September 2004, Micheal Martin, TD stated that he does not think foxhunting should be banned in Ireland. Responding to a question from presenter, John Bowman, Deputy Martin said: "Foxhunting has been a part of Irish rural life for quite a long time, since well before the foundation of the state. I'm not sure banning a sport like that is the way to deal with issues like this." His comments came just five days after members of Parliament in the UK voted overwhelmingly to make foxhunting illegal there.

* DONEGAL SOUTH WEST

Pearse Doherty, TD (Sinn Fein, Donegal South West):
"This government is allocating 76 euro million to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund while giving less than that, 64 million euro, to the Drugs Initiatives and Young People's Facilities Fund. This is unacceptable. If the government were to re-allocate tax payers money out of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund then resources for the Drugs Initiatives and Young People's Facilities Fund under Budget 2008 could be more than doubled." (Donegal Sinn Fein Senator Pearse Doherty in a Donegal News report highlighting how the county's drugs squad has been left with just one part-time officer - February 1st, 2008)

* DUBLIN CENTRAL

Joe Costello, TD (Labour, Dublin Central):
"I am opposed to all blood sports."

"The legislation is silent on blood sports. While it refers to hunting, this concerns licences for hunting and ensuring there is not indiscriminate killing of wildlife. The two are different. One is the shooting or culling of wildlife whereas bloodsports concern a person chasing wildlife for pleasure and enjoyment. We must address the bloodsports issue in Ireland. We have touched on it from time to time but we have never dealt with it seriously, either in terms of coursing, fox hunting, stag hunting or badger baiting or hunting, nor have we addressed the considerable cruelty attached to the manner in which it is done and the way the animal is treated both in the hunt and in the killing. We hear horrific stories every season. We must recognise that the animals involved are all wild animals, foxes, stags and badgers, and are hunted, not for human food but for human pleasure. That is what we must examine...Hunting for pleasure is unacceptable and the line must be drawn that, while there is commercial hunting, fishing and culling of wildlife, there should not be commercial or other forms of bloodsports where human beings not only chase animals but kill them, which is the normal outcome of the chase. It involves a considerable amount of cruelty, does not benefit anyone and does not redound to the well-being of or a sense of respect for animals which we should have. I urge the Minister to examine this issue seriously to see whether some movement can be made." (Speaking as a Senator in 16th November 2000).

Paschal Donohoe, TD (Fine Gael, Dublin Central):
In the party's 2011 election manifesto, it is stated that "Fine Gael will reverse the ban on stag hunting." Read More

Maureen O'Sullivan, TD (Independent, Dublin Central):
The Irish Council Against Blood Sports is honoured to have Maureen O'Sullivan as our President. Maureen is an invaluable ally to ICABS in Dail Eireann, tabling Dail questions and making representations on an ongoing basis.

"I wish to focus on the hunt aspect and the proposal to prohibit stag hunting with hounds in Ireland, which will apply to the Ward Union Hunt. I believe this is a humane and an enlightened initiative that is long overdue.

Do we have some romantic view of the hunt in terms of the red jackets, the men and women on horseback and, I understand these days, on quads and jeeps, with the horns blowing, the dogs baying and the so-called thrill of the chase? The words I use are animal cruelty. There are incidents of deer becoming entangled in barbed wire, drowned and chocked to death. Do we really want to see images of hunted deer covered in blood, wounded, bitten and bruised, with steaming tongues hanging out as they drop to the ground exhausted? The hunt is causing unnecessary suffering to these animals. It is a gruelling experience that can last up to and even longer than three hours.

I cite, as the late Deputy Tony Gregory did in the Dail debate of October 2007, the veterinary documents which show the injuries and fatalities. They include fractured ribs, ruptured aortic aneurysms, a deer collapsing and dying after desperately trying to escape over an 8 ft high wall. There is considerable photographic and video evidence of the cruelty, and reports in newspapers of numerous incidents of cruelty. Is it sport to terrify an animal so unnecessarily and for what?

The Ward Union Hunt states that it has implemented a wide range of health and safety measures in recent years. That is equivalent to telling a prisoner that after being tortured a doctor will be on hand to bandage the wounds. What health and safety measures can be brought in that will alleviate deliberate suffering and torture of an animal? That is a total contradiction." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, 24 June 2010. Deputy O'Sullivan voted in favour of the bill.

"Maureen O'Sullivan, TD said one of the major regrets of the late Tony Gregory was that more hadn't been done for animal rights in his lifetime. She had always shared his views on animal rights, she said, and hoped to continue his work against coursing. 'It is absolutely vicious, I couldn't look at the video footage of coursing, how people call that a sport, I do not know,' Ms O'Sullivan said." (From a report in the Irish Times, August 14, 2009)

"Finian McGrath and Maureen O'Sullivan have told the Herald that they are determined to see stag hunting ended. Both say that blood sports are entirely wrong and should be stamped out as soon as possible..."To me it's animal cruelty. To see deer caught in barbed wire, bruised, bleeding, hurt," she told the Herald. "I don't consider it sport to terrify animals, the hounds baying. In some cases they are going after domesticated deer. They are often killed through exhaustion. It's ludicrous." Evening Herald, June 29 2010.

* DUBLIN MID WEST

Joanna Tuffy, TD (Labour Party, Dublin Mid West):
"Studies carried out on the Ward Union Hunt found evidence of physiological recovery within three or four days and full recovery within ten days, and two months post hunt the hunted deer were found to be in good health." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Committee and Remaining Stages, 29 June 2010 - http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-06-29.475.0 In response, Minister Gormley stated: "I do not know what sort of information the Deputy has but one does not need to be a vet or any specialist to see that the animal in question is under severe stress. It is a domesticated animal. The vets to whom I have spoken have clearly stated that the animal is under severe stress." Deputy Tuffy voted against the ban on staghunting.

"The Labour Party opposes this legislation [ban on Ward Union deerhunt] because it is the wrong approach to maximising the protection of wildlife. It does nothing to protect wildlife but has a much more cynical motivation. It is an all-out unilateral ban on the Ward Union Hunt...People in rural communities feel under threat from this legislation and are concerned it is the thin end of the wedge."
http://debates.oireachtas.ie/DDebate.aspx?F=DAL20100624.xml&Ex=All&Page=9
Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, 24 June 2010

* DUBLIN NORTH

Clare Daly, TD (Socialist Party, Dublin North):
"We in the Socialist Party oppose stag hunting and the inherent cruelty of hunting animals purely for human enjoyment. We will oppose any attempt to overturn the ban from within the Dail. We also support the banning of hare coursing and we would be in favour of legislation which aimed to do so." March 22nd, 2011.

In 2007, Councillor Clare Daly proposed a successful motion to ban the Use of Wild Animals in Circuses on land Owned by Fingal County Council. The final wording of the agreed motion was: "That Fingal County Council support the introduction of by-laws or other measures which would ensure that circuses which use wild animals are prohibited from performing in any part of the local authority area, in light of the well-documented evidence of suffering endured by the animals involved and the serious animal welfare issues raised."

* DUBLIN NORTH CENTRAL

Finian McGrath, TD (Independent, Dublin North Central):
"Finian McGrath saved the day for the stags of north Dublin and Meath this week by voting with the Government on the hunting ban." Irish Independent, July 3rd 2010.

"Finian McGrath and Maureen O'Sullivan have told the Herald that they are determined to see stag hunting ended. Both say that blood sports are entirely wrong and should be stamped out as soon as possible..."I would be totally against blood sports," [Finian] said. "I have major concern around the chasing of stags. There have been a couple of serious incidents. In one incident a stag was chased into a schoolyard. It was appalling, disgraceful." Evening Herald, June 29 2010.

"I support the plan to end doping and rigging of greyhound races. I demand standards in the industry to root out doping and sleaze. Although it is an important social and family event, the downside of it is coursing, on which we need a debate." During a Dail debate on the Greyhound Industry (Doping Regulation) Bill 2006, 8th June 2006.

"You have my total support in relation to blood sports. I am definitely opposed to them". November, 2003

* DUBLIN NORTH EAST

Tommy Broughan, TD (Labour Party, Dublin North East):
ICABS has sent a message of thanks to Dublin North East TD, Tommy Broughan, after he abstained from voting in the Wildlife Amendment Bill vote in 2010. "We wish to thank you very much for remaining true to your principles and refusing to vote against the Wildlife Amendment Bill on Tuesday. Your action helped achieve success for this historic bill and bring the cruel ward union hunt to an end. You have our greatest respect and admiration," we stated. Read More

"I remain opposed to all so called blood 'sports'." (February 2010)
"[I] support your call to introduce drag coursing in place of coursing of hares." (September 2003)

Terence Flanagan, TD (FG, Dublin North East):
"I support the Irish Council Against Blood Sports' call for the Ward Union hunt to be refused a licence," Deputy Flanagan stated in a letter to Minister John Gormley, October 2007. For more, see Terence Flanagan, TD joins calls for end to deer hunt

Roisin Shortall, TD (Labour Party, Dublin North West):
"To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the large scale destruction of farm and other property, often running to thousands of euro, by the unauthorised use of such lands for the purposes of live hunting." (From a Dail Question tabled in 2004)

* DUBLIN SOUTH

Alan Shatter, TD (FG, Dublin South):
"I am totally opposed to hunting wild animals with dogs." Deputy Shatter voted AGAINST the Wildlife Amendment Bill 2010 which banned staghunting.

Alan Shatter is a former President of the Irish Council against Blood Sports. See www.alanshatter.ie

In 2010, on RTE's 'The Week in Politics', Alan Shatter criticised the Green Party for bringing forward legislation to ban staghunting, stating that there are more important priorities.

* DUBLIN SOUTH CENTRAL

Eric Byrne, TD (Labour Party, Dublin South Central):
"I am sure that nobody likes to see or indeed put animals to death. I am a hillwalker and I hate to see those guys with their guns all dressed up like Army Rangers waiting to kill the deer." From an email to ICABS, December 2010.

Ruairí Quinn, TD (Labour, Dublin South East):
"I used to be a member of the Irish Council Against Blood Sports. Personally, I am against the hunting of live animals with dogs, i.e. fox hunting, live hare coursing and carted deer hunting."

* DUBLIN SOUTH WEST

Sean Crowe, TD (Sinn Fein, Dublin South West):
"Sinn Féin as a party is absolutely opposed to blood 'sports' and motions to this effect have been passed at the last two Ard Fheiseanna with overwhelming support. On my own part, I find these activities to be a loathsome practice and the argument that they are in some manner a necessary part of traditional, rural life insulting to the intelligence. I would be delighted to support any and all legislation, which restricts, or bans these 'sports'."

Brian Hayes, TD (FG, Dublin South West):
"Fine Gael has committed to reversing the ban on stag hunting. As a Party, we are not opposed to countryside sports..." (From an email to an ICABS supporter, February 2011)

Pat Rabbitte, TD (Labour, Dublin South West):
"I do not support bloodsports or hare coursing but I have no difficulty with age-old rural sports like fishing, shooting, etc within the terms prescribed by law."

* DUBLIN WEST

Joe Higgins, TD (Socialist Party, Dublin West):
"I am opposed to the hunting of foxes by hounds as indeed I am opposed to live hare coursing." Joe Higgins is a MEP and former TD and is seeking re-election in the Dublin West constituency.

"To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will refuse further licences for hare coursing in line with the precautionary principle advocated in the recent report from the Irish hare initiative." Dail Question, 24 May 2005.

"The idea that taking a domesticated animal from its enclosure, turning it loose in unfamiliar countryside and then subjecting it to the terrifying ordeal of being chased by dozens of baying hounds represents �rural life� is totally false. Equally so to argue that there is something noble or natural here, resonating from more primeval times when our ancestors wrestled with nature for survival. In fact, the contrived struggle here is most unnatural. The stag�s antlers are sawn off, thus depriving it of its main mechanism of defence against attack. This is to tilt the contest in favour of the chasing hounds and the human handlers who otherwise might be hurt as the animal naturally resists being bitten and resists the attempts of its tormentors to capture it for another outing in the future...Any society which claims to have some compassion will not tolerate unnecessary cruelty to animals and such an approach is not negated by the fact that we are largely a meat eating population. I believe most people will welcome the end of carted stag hunting." July 15th, 2010 - Joe Higgins' website

* DUN LAOGHAIRE

Eamon Gilmore, TD (Labour, Dun Laoghaire):
"I am opposed to the blood sports of badger baiting, cock fighting, dog fighting, hare coursing and stag hunting. Democratic Left strongly believes in protecting our wildlife and we are very concerned about the cruelty and impact on the various species of so-called blood sports."

Eamon Gilmore voted against the ban on staghunting. However, speaking on the Marian Finucane radio show on October 2nd 2010, Mr Gilmore stated that the party "won't reverse the decision" and that they "will stick with the ban on staghunting", if his party gets into government after the election.

* GALWAY WEST

Noel Grealish, TD (Independent, Galway West):
"I fully support your quest to ban live hare coursing." (September 2003)

"I will support your campaign [against terrier-work and digging out] and I will certainly write to Minister Brendan Smith." From a letter to ICABS, 18th May 2009.

Independent TD, Noel Grealish, voted in favour of the ban on stag hunting, June 2010.

* KERRY NORTH LIMERICK WEST

Jimmy Deenihan, TD (FG, Kerry North Limerick West):
"It was I who proposed muzzling greyhounds for coursing and it is working very well." (Note: muzzling is actually not "working well"; hares continue to suffer and die during coursing meetings as muzzled dogs hit the creatures and maul them into the ground)

According to a report in Kerry's Eye, Jimmy Deehinhan was present at an Abbeydorney Hunt on January 27 1997

"On a personal basis, I have very little interest in coursing. On a personal basis, it would not bother me whether coursing was banned or not...the coursing fraternity in this country are very concerned about the future of the sport...many Catholic clergy are involved in hare coursing." from a letter written by Jimmy Deenihan to an animal welfare group in Hawaii in the early 1990s.

Martin Ferris, TD (SF, Kerry North Limerick West):
"There is the legitimate argument that the State, the State acting on behalf of a section of the electorate or, in this case, one political party, ought not to have the right to ban activities just because someone else does not like them. There are many people who do not like this form of hunting, and they are entitled to their beliefs. However, they are not entitled to have it banned simply on that basis.

The only basis on which they would be entitled would be if it could be proved that the practise in question was either cruel, deliberately designed to kill the animal being pursued or that the animal in question was an endangered species. None of that applies as far as I can see in this instance.

There is also the argument, including on behalf of people who have no particular interest in or affection for stag hunting, that if this activity is banned the way will be open to ban other sports involving animals. That could include hare coursing, for example, and I have little doubt that if this Bill is successful that will be the next target." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, 24 June 2010. Deputy Ferris voted AGAINST the bill.

"Sinn Fein TD Martin Ferris yesterday said he did not consider hare coursing a blood sport...Mr Ferris said he was stating his position on hare coursing because there was confusion surrounding the motion passed at the last party ardfheis calling for a ban on all blood sports. He said he was supportive of 'traditional rural' pursuits such as hare coursing, and he did not consider it a blood sport as greyhounds were now muzzled." Irish Times, September 8, 2009. Note: Deputy Ferris maintains this view despite evidence provided to him by ICABS which shows that coursing is a blood sport that continues to cause horrific injuries and deaths to hares.

"Hunting, coursing, fishing and shooting... are big part of rural Ireland and a big part of what we are. They are very beneficial to the economy of rural Ireland." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Committee and Remaining Stages, 29 June 2010 - http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-06-29.475.0 Deputy Ferris voted against the ban on staghunting.

* KILDARE NORTH

Bernard Durkan, TD (FG, Kildare North):
"My views on live hare coursing are fairly well known. In fact, during debates on the subject in the late Eighties and early Nineties, I spoke publicly to the effect that I was opposed to live hare coursing."

"What concerns me most about this Bill [Wildlife Amendment Bill 2010 which bans the Ward Union deerhunt] is the attack on rural life. In recent years we have seen the gradual erosion of the rights and entitlements of people living in rural areas...One cannot keep dogs. One cannot hunt." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, 29 June 2010 - http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-06-29.377.0 Deputy Durkan voted against the ban on staghunting

Emmet Stagg, TD (Labour Party, Kildare North):
"Emmet Stagg has confirmed he is among a number of Labour TDs who do not support a ban on stag hunting...Mr Stagg, Labour whip and TD for Kildare North, said: 'I see nothing wrong with it [stag hunting] at all. I think it's well regulated. I'm a supporter of country sports in general,' he said." (Irish Times, April 29, 2010)

* KILDARE SOUTH

Jack Wall, TD (Labour Party, Kildare South):
"Kildare South TD Jack Wall said he was not in favour of the bill [to ban the Ward Union] and stag hunting provided employment." (Irish Times, April 29, 2010)

* LAOIGHIS OFFALY

Barry Cowen, TD (Fianna Fail, Laoighis Offaly):
"An Taoiseach�s brother Barry Cowen has been appointed to the vacant General Manager position at Mullingar Greyhound Track. Cowen takes over as Sales, Commercial and Operations Manager at Mullingar Track next Monday...Cowen is a well known and successful greyhound owner and has been involved in the ownership of many of the very speedy Gilbeyhall greyhounds." Irish Examiner Thursday, November 04, 2010.

Clara Councillor Barry Cowen has refuted claims that recently proposed bills have a 'hidden agenda' in relation to the hunting industry. Cllr Cowen has issued a statement clarifying aspects of the two recently proposed Bills, the Wildlife Amendment Bill 2010 and Dog Breeding Bill. �Having recently attended a public meeting organised by RISE, I feel it necessary to re-affirm the Bills� contents and refute the claims by RISE that there is some wider agenda,� commented Cllr Cowen...�RISE are wrong to suggest there is some wider agenda. Minister Gormley recently confirmed the legislation will not have any implications for other country pursuits such as fox hunting, hare hunting, hare coursing or deer stalking. This bill only affects those involved in stag hunting, any suggestion otherwise by RISE is misleading and false,� remarked Cllr Cowen. �This bill is about ensuring the highest standard possible for our animals. The proposed legislation will not have any implications for other country pursuits such as fox hunting, hare coursing, fishing, deer stalking. All allegations that this is a threat to these industries is false,� concluded Cllr Cowen. Offaly Express, May 11, 2010

* LIMERICK

Niall Collins, TD (FF, Limerick):
In 2008, Deputy Niall Collins called on Environment Minister John Gormley to grant the licences as a matter of urgency. Quoted in the Irish Examiner of August 19, 2008, he said: "It stands to reason that once the licences have been granted the various coursing clubs and organisations can better plan when, where and how they will capture hares. This will help to ensure that the best possible care for the hares is provided and it will also give the various coursing clubs more certainty when it comes to planning their activities...I do not agree with the narrow view taken by the Irish Council Against Blood Sports on this issue, as they don't understand and value the traditional and cultural elements of this greyhound sector."

"In Opposition, the Taoiseach�s party and the Labour Party opposed the ban on the Ward Union stag hunt. Will the Government be introducing legislation to reverse the ban? If so, when?" from a Dail debate, 8 November 2011

* LIMERICK CITY

Jan O'Sullivan, TD (Labour, Limerick City):
"I do not support blood sports."

Willie O'Dea, TD (FF, Limerick City):
In 2009, the Irish Council Against Blood Sports warmly welcomed a statement from the office of the then Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea, in which we were told that the Minister "fully supports" our campaign. (Defence Minister "fully supports" ICABS campaign)

* LONGFORD WESTMEATH

James Bannon, TD (Fine Gael, Longford Westmeath):
"The Fine Gael Party will strongly oppose any change to the existing licensing arrangements for stag and fox hunting. Any new regulations made by the Minister, or his Government, will be reversed." (Speaking during the Field Sport Regulation Adjournment Debate on 11 March 2010. To read the full text of the debate, Click Here).

"I emphasise that I am totally opposed to this legislation [to ban the Ward Union deerhunt], as a representative of Longford-Westmeath and as a countryman who supports the rural pursuits and unique heritage and tradition of field sports...hunting creates a sense of community in rural areas. My farm has facilitated hunting throughout my life and both my father and grandfather before him allowed the hunts to pass through our lands. I will continue to allow them do so. Hunting unites farmers and sports people for a common recreational purpose and tradition. I am deeply concerned at the appalling actions of the Minister and his wilting Green Party, which are aimed at destroying country wide field sports...I was shocked to see on the Minister�s website the no-holes-barred assertion that the Green Party intended to attack coursing and fox hunting and secure a legislative ban on all blood sports...I cannot emphasise strongly enough the devastation to the sporting, economic, leisure and tourism activities of any ban on field sports, hare coursing or stag hunting. Any such move would be detrimental to the country as a whole and to the countryside in particular...Banning hunting, which is a strong tradition in rural Ireland going back centuries and over many generations, would be a threat to the rural way of life and would be strongly resisted by rural people and by people living in towns who participate in rural sports, many of whom I am delighted to welcome onto my farm every spring. " Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, Thursday, 24 June 2010

"I can assure the Minister of State that any attempt to ban hunting, which is a strong tradition in rural Ireland going back centuries and many generations, would be a threat to the rural way of life and would be strongly resisted by rural people...Deer and fox hunting have a long history in this country since the 19th century and earlier." Stated by James Bannon during Field Sport Regulation, Adjournment Debate, 11 March 2010.

Nicky McFadden, TD (Fine Gael, Longford Westmeath):
In February 2010, Cllr McFadden was criticised by ICABS for expressing support for foxhunters. During a Senate debate on proposed Puppy Farm legislation, she stated: "I am familiar with the South Westmeath hunt. There is no question but they are the kindest people to those dogs." Please read more at Westmeath Senators criticised for defending hunters and coursers

Willie Penrose, TD (Labour, Longford Westmeath):
"Longford-Westmeath TD Willie Penrose also said he would not support a ban [on the Ward Union deerhunt]. 'I support rural Ireland. I don't support the Wildlife Bill. I certainly would not support the bill. I'm a rural person with rural views,' he said." (Irish Times, April 29, 2010)

"I speak as a Deputy who is deeply in touch with rural issues and a rural way of life and I strongly oppose the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010, as proposed by the Minister, Deputy Gormley...The Bill before the House is historic in at least one respect, in that, to the best of my knowledge, it is the first occasion since the foundation of the State that a Government has brought a specific Bill before this House to outlaw a country sport...As young people we hunted rabbits in order to secure food or sell it at two shillings unskinned or half a crown skinned...We hunted foxes...One got half a crown for a fox�s tail when one brought it in." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, 29 June 2010 - http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-06-29.377.0 Deputy Penrose voted against the ban on staghunting

"[Minister Gormley] reserved his full contempt for Labour. �I find you absolutely shameful.� It was difficult to disagree with him. The principled men and women of the Labour Party, who love to take a stand and cleave to it, blithely voting against a long-expressed opposition to animal cruelty and blood sports. No amount of shouting from Willie Penrose from Westmeath could change that, although he got a noisy round of applause from the Ward Union [hunt] people in the public gallery." Irish Times - Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Robert Troy, TD (Fianna Fail, Longford Westmeath):
In 2010, Cllr Troy attended a meeting in Mullingar organised by pro-blood sports group, RISE. Cllr Troy spoke in support of RISE. A RISE sticker was displayed on the door of his constituency office.

* MAYO

Enda Kenny, TD (FG, Mayo):
"I am opposed to the practice of live hare coursing."

Enda Kenny is leader of Fine Gael. In the party's 2011 election manifesto, it is stated that "Fine Gael will reverse the ban on stag hunting." Read More

Michael Ring, TD (FG, Mayo):
"I am personally against hare coursing. I am totally opposed to cruelty to animals but particularly this kind of cruelty in relation to blood sports."

* MEATH EAST

Shane McEntee, TD (FG, Meath East):
"Those who hunt are great people � I have listened to them...Fine Gael and the Labour Party do not want to have to reintroduce stag hunting when Fianna Fail and the Green Party leave Government, whether it is now or in two years� time. We do not want to have to spend time on that. However, we will bring it back in. That is guaranteed...I know all the people involved in the Ward Union Hunt and in other hunts. They are all farming-minded people, so to speak. As Deputy Michael Kennedy said, he was not a farming person but these people are all animal lovers. They would stay up at night to mind a calf that was born two months premature. They would get up ten times at night to make sure it lived. They would do it for any animal. They are not cruel people and I resent that insinuation from anybody." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, 24 June 2010. Deputy McEntee voted AGAINST the bill.

"I am calling on the Environment Minister, John Gormley to grant a licence to the Ward Union Hunt to hunt live stags...Any doubts about the future of the Ward Union Hunt should be removed. Meath would be a poorer place if the Ward Union Hunt was not allowed to hunt across its fields...hunting has a long and honourable tradition in County Meath" (From a statement headed "Hands off Hunting", issued by Shane McEntee in 2007. For more, please see Meath TD slammed for defending animal cruelty)

"The Ward Union is an iconic representation of rural life in Ireland...As a Deputy, I will oppose [a ban on the hunt]." (From Hunting Licences, Adjournment Debate, 2 December 2009).

"We will not be doing anything to ban hunting, coursing or other pursuits..." Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2011: Second Stage Thursday, 30 June 2011

In complete contast, Deputy McEntee claimed to ICABS representatives in March 2010 that he is "against animal cruelty".

* MEATH WEST

Damien English, TD (FG, Meath West):
"I shall take a few seconds to register my opposition to this Bill and my support for the Ward Union Hunt and hunts in general. I have spent all my life living beside the Meath Hunt and have watched it in operation. I watched how its members treat their dogs and run their business. I do not get a chance to follow or watch the Ward Union Hunt and its business but I know many of the people involved. They treat animals and operate in exactly the same way as the Meath Hunt. They have respect for animals and know what they are doing." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, 29 June 2010 - http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-06-29.377.0 Deputy English voted against the ban on staghunting

* ROSCOMMON LEITRIM SOUTH

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan, TD (Independent, Roscommon Leitrim South):
"Roscommon/South Leitrim has massive potential to increase it share of tourism revenue from what is now an estimated �52 million/ per year...We have umpteen lakes suitable for fishing, shooting..." From the tourism section of Luke Flanagan's website - http://www.lukemingflanagan.ie/policies/tourism/

* SLIGO LEITRIM NORTH

John Perry, TD (Fine Gael, Sligo Leitrim North):
In a statement delivered at a pro-hunt meeting in January 2008, John Perry, TD stated: "Outdoor leisure and recreational activities such as hunting, shooting and fishing are factors that are a fundamental and integral part of the rural lifestyle...I will maintain my pressure on this Government to have our rich rural heritage recognised, and indeed protected by legislation, rather than being threatened by it."

This pro-hunting TD voted against the staghunt ban in June 2010.

* TIPPERARY NORTH

Michael Lowry, TD (Independent, Tipperary North):
"A number of TDs, including Jackie Healy Rae and Michael Lowry, had earlier voiced concern that the Greens' ban on stag hunting and their dog breeding bill indicated a lack of empathy with country pursuits." (Sunday Business Post, 04 April 2010)

Independent TD, Michael Lowry, voted AGAINST the staghunt ban in June 2010.

Noel Coonan, TD (Fine Gael, Tipperary North):
"He might allow hare coursing be shown free to air." Directed at Eamon Ryan (Minister of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources) during a Dail debate on Broadcasting Legislation - 1 June 2010.

* TIPPERARY SOUTH

Tom Hayes, TD (FG, Tipperary South):
"At a recent meet of the Kilmoganny Hounds, members were canvassed for their support by successful Fine Gael candidates Tom Hayes (Tipperary South) and John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny)". From the Hunting Association of Ireland website. An accompanying photo shows "Tom Hayes and John Paul Phelan at a recent meet of the Kilmoganny Hounds" next to horses and hounds. (2011)

"I attended six coursing meetings in the past few months and I did not see one hare killed. I love what is good in rural Ireland, whether it is coursing, hunting hares, beagling or whatever, and I believe there is a strong agenda to stop those sports...I represent a constituency that is proud of its heritage in the coursing and animal welfare world." (March 2005)

Mattie McGrath, TD (FF, Tipperary South):
Mattie McGrath spoke in favour of hare coursing on the Pat Kenny Radio Show on October 1st 2009. You can listen to Deputy McGrath's defence of this cruel activity by downloading the show. Deputy McGrath voted against the ban on staghunting in June 2010.

"It has been noted that this stag hunt has been in existence since 1854 and reference has been made to its benefits. People who take part in rural pursuits and who get their children involved will care for animals more than any animal rights person or self-proclaimed animal rights people because they are close to nature...I know nothing about stag hunting because I do not live in that part of the country so I will not stray into it. However, I am disappointed in the way they have been vilified." Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, Thursday, 24 June 2010

According to a comment left on a hunting website, Mattie McGrath "was at the national coursing meeting plying for votes this week [February 2011] on the strength of his stand against the hunting ban".

"Hopefully, the Minister will be able to find Eur 1 million or so for the track in Clonmel. It is very important. Coursing is a huge industry and is worth Eur 6 million or Eur 7 million to South Tipperary. The Clonmel event is known throughout Europe. I have been there many times. There is none of the savagery that is often spoken about." From a Dail debate on the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2011, 30 June 2011

* WATERFORD

Paudie Coffey, TD (Fine Gael, Waterford):
"Those involved in these rural pursuits [e.g. hunting] are not breaking any law; they are only doing what previous generations did. They are concerned that the Bill will affect the viability of these pursuits, in the process threatening their existence. I can appreciate their concerns, which is why we have tabled amendments to protect an indigenous industry that dates back many generations." Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage, 9 March 2010

John Halligan, TD (Independent, Waterford)
"I believe that hunting animals for pleasure is wrong and would be opposed to any motion that would be taking a step backwards in this regard." (From email to ICABS Supporter, February 2011)

* WEXFORD

John Browne, TD (FF, Wexford):
In September 2009, Deputy Browne forwarded an appeal to Minister Brendan Smith and John Gormley and asked them to "seriously consider" the points ICABS raised about hare coursing.

Paul Kehoe, TD (Fine Gael, Wexford)
Paul Kehoe voted AGAINST the staghunt ban in June 2010.

"Taoiseach Brian Cowen reminded every TD of their responsibility. Mr McGrath and Mr O�Sullivan still abstained. A peace process began with the rebels. Their abstention provoked Fine Gael�s whip Paul Kehoe to up the ante. He withdrew an agreement to keep two of his TDs back to cancel out two sick men � Sean Ardagh and Noel Treacy..." Irish Examiner Wednesday, June 30, 2010

* WICKLOW

Billy Timmins, TD (Fine Gael, Wicklow)
"As a Party, we are not opposed to countryside sports" (From an email to an ICABS supporter, February 2011). Billy Timmins voted AGAINST the staghunt ban in June 2010.

NOTE: We are trying to add to this list on an ongoing basis. Please help us - forward copies of replies you receive from politicians. If you are a TD, Senator or Councillor and would like to be included in this list, please get in touch with us now. Thank you.

Views of current TDs
Alphabetical list

James Bannon, TD (Fine Gael, Longford-Westmeath):
"The Fine Gael Party will strongly oppose any change to the existing licensing arrangements for stag and fox hunting. Any new regulations made by the Minister, or his Government, will be reversed." (Speaking during the Field Sport Regulation Adjournment Debate on 11 March 2010. To read the full text of the debate, Click Here).

Tommy Broughan, TD (Labour Party, Dublin North-East ):
ICABS has sent a message of thanks to Dublin North East TD, Tommy Broughan, after he abstained from voting in the Wildlife Amendment Bill vote in 2010. "We wish to thank you very much for remaining true to your principles and refusing to vote against the Wildlife Amendment Bill on Tuesday. Your action helped achieve success for this historic bill and bring the cruel ward union hunt to an end. You have our greatest respect and admiration," we stated. Read More

"I remain opposed to all so called blood 'sports'." (February 2010)
"[I] support your call to introduce drag coursing in place of coursing of hares." (September 2003)

Joe Costello, TD (Labour, Dublin Central):
"I am opposed to all blood sports."

Michael Creed, TD (FG, Cork North-West):
In a statement issued in October 2009, Michael Creed, TD stated: "Fine Gael supports country sports which are carried out humanely, properly supervised and monitored and that do not involve any undue risk to animal welfare. If these criteria can be satisfied Fine Gael does not oppose properly licensed country sports activities. Fine Gael will oppose any move by Government to deny groups who have conducted their activities as per their licences, the right to continue to pursue these activities in the future. We believe that imposing a ban on these licensed activities would be a retrograde step both in terms of animal welfare and economically. "

According to a report in Kerry's Eye, Jimmy Deehinhan was present at an Abbeydorney Hunt on January 27 1997

Paschal Donohoe, TD (Fine Gael, Dublin Central):
In the party's 2011 election manifesto, it is stated that "Fine Gael will reverse the ban on stag hunting." Read More

Terence Flanagan, TD (FG, Dublin North-East ):
"I support the Irish Council Against Blood Sports' call for the Ward Union hunt to be refused a licence," Deputy Flanagan stated in a letter to Minister John Gormley, October 2007. For more, see Terence Flanagan, TD joins calls for end to deer hunt

Noel Grealish, TD (Independent, Galway West):
"I fully support your quest to ban live hare coursing." (September 2003)

"I will support your campaign [against terrier-work and digging out] and I will certainly write to Minister Brendan Smith." From a letter to ICABS, 18th May 2009.

Independent TD, Noel Grealish, voted in favour of the ban on stag hunting, June 2010.

Paul Kehoe, TD (Fine Gael, Wexford)
Paul Kehoe voted AGAINST the staghunt ban in June 2010.

Enda Kenny, TD (FG, Mayo):
"I am opposed to the practice of live hare coursing."

Enda Kenny is leader of Fine Gael. In the party's 2011 election manifesto, it is stated that "Fine Gael will reverse the ban on stag hunting." Read More

Independent TD, Michael Lowry, voted AGAINST the staghunt ban in June 2010.

Micheal Martin, TD (Fianna Fail, Cork South-Central ):
Speaking on RTE's Questions and Answers on 20th September 2004, Micheal Martin, TD stated that he does not think foxhunting should be banned in Ireland. Responding to a question from presenter, John Bowman, Deputy Martin said: "Foxhunting has been a part of Irish rural life for quite a long time, since well before the foundation of the state. I'm not sure banning a sport like that is the way to deal with issues like this." His comments came just five days after members of Parliament in the UK voted overwhelmingly to make foxhunting illegal there.

"The Ward Union is an iconic representation of rural life in Ireland...As a Deputy, I will oppose [a ban on the hunt]." (From Hunting Licences, Adjournment Debate, 2 December 2009).

"We will not be doing anything to ban hunting, coursing or other pursuits..." Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2011: Second Stage Thursday, 30 June 2011

In complete contast, Deputy McEntee claimed to ICABS representatives in March 2010 that he is "against animal cruelty".

Nicky McFadden, TD (Fine Gael, Longford/Westmeath):
In February 2010, Cllr McFadden was criticised by ICABS for expressing support for foxhunters. During a Senate debate on proposed Puppy Farm legislation, she stated: "I am familiar with the South Westmeath hunt. There is no question but they are the kindest people to those dogs." Please read more at Westmeath Senators criticised for defending hunters and coursers

"Finian McGrath and Maureen O'Sullivan have told the Herald that they are determined to see stag hunting ended. Both say that blood sports are entirely wrong and should be stamped out as soon as possible..."I would be totally against blood sports," [Finian] said. "I have major concern around the chasing of stags. There have been a couple of serious incidents. In one incident a stag was chased into a schoolyard. It was appalling, disgraceful." Evening Herald, June 29 2010.

"You have my total support in relation to blood sports. I am definitely opposed to them". November, 2003

Michael Moynihan TD (Fianna Fail, Cork North-West):
"Those involved in the industry and coursing clubs are genuine, decent and honourable people, providing employment and entertainment and maintaining animal welfare standards second to none." From a Dail debate on the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2011, 30 June 2011

Caoimhghin O Caolain, TD (Sinn Fein, Cavan/Monaghan):
"I am totally opposed to live hare coursing."

Willie O'Dea, TD (FF, Limerick East ):
In 2009, the Irish Council Against Blood Sports warmly welcomed a statement from the office of the then Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea, in which we were told that the Minister "fully supports" our campaign. (Defence Minister "fully supports" ICABS campaign)

Jan O'Sullivan, TD (Labour, Limerick City):
"I do not support blood sports."

Willie Penrose, TD (Labour, Longford -Westmeath):
"Longford-Westmeath TD Willie Penrose also said he would not support a ban [on the Ward Union deerhunt]. 'I support rural Ireland. I don't support the Wildlife Bill. I certainly would not support the bill. I'm a rural person with rural views,' he said." (Irish Times, April 29, 2010)

This pro-hunting TD voted AGAINST the staghunt ban in June 2010.

"I will not be supporting any ban on stag hunting." (2010)

Michael Ring, TD (FG, Mayo):
"I am personally against hare coursing. I am totally opposed to cruelty to animals but particularly this kind of cruelty in relation to blood sports."

Alan Shatter, TD (FG, Dublin South):
"I am totally opposed to hunting wild animals with dogs." Deputy Shatter voted AGAINST the Wildlife Amendment Bill 2010 which banned staghunting.

Alan Shatter is a former President of the Irish Council against Blood Sports. See www.alanshatter.ie

In 2010, on RTE's 'The Week in Politics', Alan Shatter criticised the Green Party for bringing forward legislation to ban staghunting, stating that there are more important priorities.

Roisin Shortall, TD (Labour Party, Dublin North-West):
"To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the large scale destruction of farm and other property, often running to thousands of euro, by the unauthorised use of such lands for the purposes of live hunting." (From a Dail Question tabled in 2004)

Did your TDs vote for or against the staghunt ban?
30 June 2010

Find out if your Dail representatives were among the majority who voted in favour of banning the Ward Union hunt.

Note: Fine Gael voted against the ban and say they will reverse the ban if they get into government.
Labour voted against the ban but afterwards said that they will keep it in place and will oppose any attempt to reverse it.

TDs who voted in favour of the staghunt ban: 75

Bertie Ahern (Fianna Fail)
Dermot Ahern (Fianna Fail)
Michael Ahern (Fianna Fail)
Noel Ahern (Fianna Fail)
Barry Andrews (Fianna Fail)
Chris Andrews (Fianna Fail)
Bobby Aylward (Fianna Fail)
Niall Blaney (Fianna Fail)
Aine Brady (Fianna Fail)
Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)
Johnny Brady (Fianna Fail)
John Browne (Fianna Fail)
Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)
Dara Calleary (Fianna Fail)
Pat Carey (Fianna Fail)
Niall Collins (Fianna Fail)
Margaret Conlon (Fianna Fail)
Mary Coughlan (Fianna Fail)
Brian Cowen (Fianna Fail)
John Cregan (Fianna Fail)
Ciaran Cuffe (Green Party)
John Curran (Fianna Fail)
Noel Dempsey (Fianna Fail)
Jimmy Devins (Fianna Fail)
Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)
Frank Fahey (Fianna Fail)
Michael Finneran (Fianna Fail)
Michael Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)
Sean Fleming (Fianna Fail)
Beverley Flynn (Fianna Fail)
Paul Gogarty (Green Party)
John Gormley (Green Party)
Noel Grealish (Independent)
Mary Harney (Independent)
Sean Haughey (Fianna Fail)
Maire Hoctor (Fianna Fail)
Billy Kelleher (Fianna Fail)
Peter Kelly (Fianna Fail)
Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)
Michael Kennedy (Fianna Fail)
Tony Killeen (Fianna Fail)
Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)
Tom Kitt (Fianna Fail)
Conor Lenihan (Fianna Fail)
Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)
Jim McDaid (Fianna Fail)
Tom McEllistrim (Fianna Fail)
Finian McGrath (Independent)
Michael McGrath (Fianna Fail)
John McGuinness (Fianna Fail)
John Moloney (Fianna Fail)
Michael Moynihan (Fianna Fail)
Michael Mulcahy (Fianna Fail)
M J Nolan (Fianna Fail)
Eamon O Cu�v (Fianna Fail)
Sean O Feargha�l (Fianna Fail)
Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
Charlie O'Connor (Fianna Fail)
Willie O'Dea (Fianna Fail)
Noel O'Flynn (Fianna Fail)
Batt O'Keeffe (Fianna Fail)
Ned O'Keeffe (Fianna Fail)
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
Christy O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
Maureen O'Sullivan (Independent)
Peter Power (Fianna Fail)
Sean Power (Fianna Fail)
Dick Roche (Fianna Fail)
Eamon Ryan (Green Party)
Trevor Sargent (Green Party)
Eamon Scanlon (Fianna Fail)
Brendan Smith (Fianna Fail)
Mary Wallace (Fianna Fail)
Mary White (Green Party)
Michael Woods (Fianna Fail)

TDs who voted against the staghunt ban: 71

James Bannon (Fine Gael)
Sean Barrett (Fine Gael)
Joe Behan (Independent)
Pat Breen (Fine Gael)
Richard Bruton (Fine Gael)
Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)
Joan Burton (Labour Party)
Joe Carey (Fine Gael)
Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael)
Paul Connaughton (Fine Gael)
Noel Coonan (Fine Gael)
Joe Costello (Labour Party)
Simon Coveney (Fine Gael)
Seymour Crawford (Fine Gael)
Michael Creed (Fine Gael)
Lucinda Creighton (Fine Gael)
Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael)
Jimmy Deenihan (Fine Gael)
Andrew Doyle (Fine Gael)
Bernard Durkan (Fine Gael)
Damien English (Fine Gael)
Olwyn Enright (Fine Gael)
Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)
Martin Ferris (Sinn Fein)
Charles Flanagan (Fine Gael)
Terence Flanagan (Fine Gael)
Eamon Gilmore (Labour Party)
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
Tom Hayes (Fine Gael)
Jackie Healy-Rae (Independent)
Phil Hogan (Fine Gael)
Brendan Howlin (Labour Party)
Paul Kehoe (Fine Gael)
Enda Kenny (Fine Gael)
Michael Lowry (Independent)
Ciaran Lynch (Labour Party)
Kathleen Lynch (Labour Party)
Padraic McCormack (Fine Gael)
Shane McEntee (Fine Gael)
Dinny McGinley (Fine Gael)
Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)
Liz McManus (Labour Party)
Denis Naughten (Fine Gael)
Dan Neville (Fine Gael)
Michael Noonan (Fine Gael)
Caoimhgh�n � Caolain (Sinn Fein)
Aengus � Snodaigh (Sinn Fein)
Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael)
Fergus O'Dowd (Fine Gael)
Jim O'Keeffe (Fine Gael)
John O'Mahony (Fine Gael)
Brian O'Shea (Labour Party)
Jan O'Sullivan (Labour Party)
Willie Penrose (Labour Party)
John Perry (Fine Gael)
Ruairi Quinn (Labour Party)
Pat Rabbitte (Labour Party)
James Reilly (Fine Gael)
Michael Ring (Fine Gael)
Alan Shatter (Fine Gael)
Tom Sheahan (Fine Gael)
P J Sheehan (Fine Gael)
Sean Sherlock (Labour Party)
R�is�n Shortall (Labour Party)
Emmet Stagg (Labour Party)
David Stanton (Fine Gael)
Billy Timmins (Fine Gael)
Joanna Tuffy (Labour Party)
Mary Upton (Labour Party)
Leo Varadkar (Fine Gael)
Jack Wall (Labour Party)

Tellers:
Ta (Yes), Deputies John Curran and John Cregan;
N�l (No), Deputies Paul Kehoe and Emmet Stagg

Absent: Tommy Broughan (Labour Party)
Absent: Arthur Morgan (Sinn Fein)
Absent on Medical Grounds: Michael D. Higgins (Labour Party)

Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed), Committee and Remaining Stages
Tuesday, 29 June 2010

Watch the debate
(Forward to the 02:55:30 mark for beginning of debate)

Read a full transcript of the debate at http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-06-29.377.0
and www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-06-29.475.0
(Including list of TDs who voted for and against)

You may also watch the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage (24 June 2010) and read the full transcript of the debate.

Watch the debate
(Forward to the 03:54:00 mark for beginning of debate)

Read a full transcript of the debate

Views of current Senators

Senator Ivana Bacik (Labour Party, Dun Laoghaire):
"I am asking you to refuse a licence to the Ward Union deer hunt," Senator Bacik stated in a letter to Environment Minister, John Gormley. "The Irish Council Against Blood Sports are mounting a campaign against this, which I support." (October 2007)

ICABS has thanked Senator Ivana Bacik for refusing to vote against a ban on the Ward Union. The Irish Times has reported that the Labour Party senator abstained in a Seanad vote on the Wildlife Amendment Bill. 01 July 2010. Read More

Senator Paul Bradford (Fine Gael):
"The Minister [Michael Finneran, Fianna Fail] does not propose to change his mind and does not respect or accept the bona fides of the Irish Coursing Club or greyhound industry." Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage, 9 March 2010

Senator Paddy Burke (Fine Gael):
"I have no doubt that the ban on coursing in England will be lifted" (Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage, 9 March 2010)

Senator Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael):
"The Minister of State is a reasonable man and he will accept how well regulated is the coursing industry." Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage, 9 March 2010

Senator Paul Coghlan raised the hackles of one of the Green's new twin babies in the Seanad on Thursday when he declared that Fine Gael is "completely opposed" to John Gormley's proposed ban on stag hunting. "It is a legitimate and worthwhile country pursuit and a sport that is highly beneficial for tourism. I cannot discern where cruelty is involved," he said, much to the disgust of Senator Niall O Brolchain. (The Irish Times - February 27, 2010)

Senator David Norris (Independent):
"The spectacle of fox hunting is most attractive, although not for the fox. However, we must do something to root out the horrible practice of live hare coursing. There is simply no justification for it if we are concerned about the welfare of small animals. I believe it is bad for the moral welfare of the people who watch the sport. No decent person should take pleasure from the hunting to death of a small, frightened animal. I agree with Senator Mooney about education - it is an important element in encouraging people to respect wildlife." (16 November 2000).

"I heard a Member on the Government side attempt to defend the obscenity of coursing, which is indefensible." (Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Second Stage, 26 January 2010)

Senator Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail):
"There is over-regulation within the fishing industry that has driven many people from that industry. Members are now witnessing over-regulation in the greyhound industry at the coursing level or otherwise. I must confess that I have never attended a coursing meeting in my life. The amendment tabled by Fine Gael seeks to address such over-regulation." Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages. Note: This amendment was declared lost.

Senator Averil Power (Fianna Fail, Dublin North East):
Senator Averil Power was thanked by ICABS in August 2011 after she joined calls on Minister Jimmy Deenihan to refuse a coursing licence. Read More

Senator Feargal Quinn (Independent):
"I declared my interest on Second Stage in that I was a member of the Ward Union Hunt 20 years ago and I have received requests from its members to make a case on their behalf." (Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage, 10 February 2010)

"I must declare an interest. For many years I hunted with the Fingal Harriers and the Ward Union Hunt. In Britain, the ban on hunting shows the clear division between city and country. I would hate to see this happen in this country." (Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009, 03 February 2010)

Views of former TDs and Senators

Views of Councillors

Cllr Brian Bermingham (Fine Gael, Cork City Council)
"I am very pleased the Dail has passed the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010"
30 June 2010

Cllr Damien Brady (Cavan):
"Fine Gael Cllr Peter McVitty and Sinn Fein Cllr Damien Brady from Cavan voiced their support for the [pro-blood sports Rise] campaign." (Leitrim Observer, May 24, 2010).

Cllr Shane Cassells (Fianna Fail, Meath West):
ICABS thanked Cllr Shane Cassells in 2010 for being one of only 3 Meath County Councillors who voted against a pro-blood sports motion. "I firmly believe that the majority of Meath people are in favour of seeing the pursuit of live deer banned...I was very pleased to speak out against the mistruths which the RISE campaign are using to try and advance their cause." Read More

Cllr Michael Gleeson (Kerry South):
A County Kerry Councillor has been criticised by ICABS after he called for the urgent elimination of the mink species. Cllr Michael Gleeson said that "it is imperative that an onslaught is commenced on the most unwelcome mink." (October 2007) Read More

Cllr John Hogan, Fianna Fail, North Tipperary County Council

"I support coursing...I believe that you are misinformed when you claim that most people find hare coursing abhorrent and unacceptable." (From an email to ICABS, 10th September 2010)

Cllr Gino Kenny (South Dublin County Council) "I'm against any type of blood Sport which wantonly hurts any animal. I hope one day soon that blood sports in Britain and Ireland are a relic of the past." - www.ginokenny.com. For more information, read our report

Cllr Martin Kenny (Sinn Fein, Roscommon Leitrim South):
"Cllr Martin Kenny said he would propose the motion to support Rise at the next Leitrim County Council meeting." (Leitrim Observer, May 24, 2010). Rise is a pro-blood sports group. Download the minutes of the Leitrim County Council meeting to see the wording of his motion.

Cllr Peter McVitty (Cavan):
"Fine Gael Cllr Peter McVitty and Sinn Fein Cllr Damien Brady from Cavan voiced their support for the [pro-blood sports Rise] campaign." (Leitrim Observer, May 24, 2010).

Cllr Thomas Mulligan, Leitrim County Council

"Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council Thomas Mulligan said he had an interest in many field sports and had never seen anything of concern in relation to animal welfare and saw no benefits in banning these activities." (Leitrim Observer, May 24, 2010).

Cllr Pa O'Driscoll (Fine Gael, Cork East):
"I am a member of Rathcormac Coursing Club" From his profile on the Newstalk website

Cllr Cieran Perry (Independent, Dublin Central):
"I believe that the netting and coursing of wild hares is a cruel and barbaric practice that has no place in the Ireland of today. Despite the introduction of muzzling, which coursing enthusiasts reassured the public would remove the "kill" element of this so-called sport, it is clear that the coursing fraternity cannot be trusted to police their own events. It is surely now time to consign this cruel and shameful practice to the dustbin of history once and for all". From a statement issued on 03 February, 2011. Read More...

In October 2010, Cieran Perry succeeded in getting a motion passed in Dublin City Council to ban the import and sale of real fur, in the jurisdiction of Dublin City.

Cllr John Sheehan (Glin Council, Co Limerick):
"Best wishes from John Sheehan, Local County Councillor" (From an advert in a Glin Coursing Meeting booklet)

Councillors John Kennedy (Lab), Jonathan Meaney (Lab), Jim Casey (FF), Ger Darcy (FG), Eddie Moran (Ind), Michael Smith (FF) (North Tipperary Co Council):
Opposition to the Government�s hunting proposals was also expressed at last month�s meeting of North Tipperary Co Council, where local councillors spoke of the importance of hunting in the county. Councillors John Kennedy (Lab) and Jonathan Meaney (Lab) submitted a notice of motion urging the council to recognise the increasing level of popular support being expressed for the RISE (Rural Ireland Says Enough!) campaign and call on the Government to heed the campaign�s concerns. Cllr Jim Casey (FF) called on the council to oppose the legislation being proposed by Minister Gormley in respect of hunting in rural Ireland. He said the council has a duty to protect North Tipperary�s fox hunting tradition and the local horse trade. Cllr Ger Darcy (FG) said the council should be promoting hunting as part of its bid to draw more visitors to North Tipperary. He also described hunting as an alternative sport for young people that don�t pick up the mainstream sports of hurling, rugby and soccer. Cllr Eddie Moran (Ind) said the hunts generate employment and trade in North Tipperary. Cllr Michael Smith (FF) also supported the motions, and while none of the councillors would be in favour of animal cruelty, he said there should be more dialogue between the stakeholders involved.
From an article in the Nenagh Guardian (10/07/2010)
http://www.nenaghguardian.ie/news-detail.php?article=RJYPLI

Politicians | Top | Join | Home