Views of current TDs

Bertie Ahern, TD and former Taoiseach (FF, Dublin Central):
"I am totally opposed to hare coursing and I hope that...many more people reject hare coursing as a past-time, which can never justifiably be called a sport." (1997).

Seán Ardagh, TD (FF, Dublin South Central):
"I am not in favour of any kind of blood sports and will lobby whenever possible to have them banned."

James Breen, TD (Ind, Clare):
"As a farmer, I allow people to hunt and shoot on my land." (Speaking as a member of the Joint Committee on the Constitution, during a meeting on 22 July 2003. To read the full text of the meeting, including presentations from representatives of hunting groups, please Click Here).

Ulick Burke, TD (FG, Galway East):
"FF back bencher Noel Treacy made good his support for fieldsports, as did East Galway FG TD Ulick Burke." (From a report in the Irish Horse section of the Irish Famers Journal, 26 January 2008 about a hunt meeting in Galway)

Michael Collins, TD (FF, Limerick West):
"I wish to declare my keen interest not only in horse and greyhound racing, but also in coursing...Now that the Irish greyhound industry has been assured funding, I ask the Minister to ensure that an equitable amount of this annual subvention be directed towards the arm of the industry which, since the start of the last century, has regulated all aspects of greyhound sports, racing and coursing, until the advent of Bord na gCon in 1958. The services provided by the Irish Coursing Club, based in Clonmel, are vital to the ongoing success of the Irish greyhound industry. It provides a role and function in compiling the stud book for the entire island of Ireland...For reasons which I have difficulty comprehending, it receives no subsidy or benefit from moneys collected from betting revenues within the industry nor from annual Government subventions to the industry. The legislation governing the Irish greyhound industry clearly defines the role, functions and responsibilities of the Irish Coursing Club in the development of the greyhound industry. It is now time that some meaningful funding be set aside to enable this voluntary organisation to go about its business." (May 2001).

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).

Ciarán Cuffe, TD (Green, Dun Laoghaire):
"I am against all forms of blood sports."

Jimmy Deenihan, TD (FG, Kerry North):
"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)

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."

Martin Ferris, TD (SF, Kerry North):
"Sinn Féin are opposed to blood sports but do not concur with your own definition of coursing with muzzled dogs as a blood [sport]." (April 2004)

Beverley Flynn, TD (Independent, Mayo):
According to a report in the Sunday Times (November 18th, 2007), Deputy Flynn wrote to Minister John Gormley to put forward the case for refusing a licence to the Ward Union deerhunt. "I have been approached by a number of constituents who have expressed concern over the possibility of your issuing a [hunting] licence," she stated in her correspondence.

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."

Paul Nicholas Gogarty, TD (Green Party, Dublin Mid-West):
"Greyhounds must compete on merit and should not race after taking painkillers or other drugs to boost performance. Much concern has been expressed about the health and safety of the greyhounds but only a handful of Deputies have referred to the health and safety of hares. Deputy Gregory referred to the continuing practice of blooding and cruelty to dogs. Greyhounds are treated as commodities and put down once they have outlived their usefulness. The same applies to hares. Even in the regulated system where dogs wear muzzles, hares are held for up to six weeks and may be killed by stress or mauling during coursing meets.

"I have nothing against the greyhound industry per se. I acknowledge that a night at the dogs could be an enjoyable event but not at the expense of unnecessary cruelty and mistreatment of animals. Studies have shown that drag coursing provides a similar training for dogs without cruelty to hares.

"Notwithstanding the manner in which dogs are treated, a societal issue must be addressed. Many Deputies and well-heeled members of society enjoy going to the dogs and buying dogs. I am sure they would not condone the use of animals as commodities or cruelty to animals but this happens in the greyhound industry. Surveys show that 75% of people living in the countryside and 90% of those in cities oppose hare coursing, a considerable amount. The sport has blood on its hands and is under a cloud, irrespective of the contents of the Dalton report. An industry based on cruelty and exploitation should not be allowed to continue as it is." During a Dail debate on the Greyhound Industry (Doping Regulation) Bill 2006, 8th June 2006.

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

Marian Harkin, TD (Ind, Sligo-Leitrim):
"It would appear logical to me that drag hunting should provide better enjoyment for horse riders. Since galloping and jumping would appear to be central to enjoying a day out, there is certainty of getting that every day with a drag. The drag...is also an advantage in going only where riders are welcome and would also avoid the damage caused to lands and fences which often occurs in a random hunt." (March, 2004)

"I oppose live hare coursing and will support any measure which aims to restrict or eliminate it." (October 2003)

Tom Hayes, TD (FG, Tipperary South):
"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)

Joe Higgins, TD (SP, Dublin West):
"I am opposed to the hunting of foxes by hounds as indeed I am opposed to live hare coursing."

Michael D Higgins, TD (Labour, Galway West):
Michael D Higgins is a former vice-chairperson of the Irish Council Against Blood Sports.

Maire Hoctor, TD (FF, Tipperary North):
"I do not share the same views as the Council does on bloodsports, hare coursing etc. so I am not in a position to campaign with you on this." (September 2003)

Michael Kennedy, TD (FF, North Dublin ):
“If we didn’t support you, we wouldn’t be here." Quoted in the Irish Times of December 19, 2009, Deputy Kennedy made this comment at a Ward Union staghunt meeting in Trim Castle Hotel, December 2009

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

Dr Martin Mansergh, TD (Fianna Fail, Tipperary South):
The of January 2nd, 2010 reported that Dr Mansergh is “in general...a supporter of field sports” but “not personally involved” unlike members of his “wider family”. The report stated that he "rejected the notion – claimed by some pro-hunting activists – that banning stag-hunting represented the 'thin edge of the wedge' which would lead to the outlawing of other rural pursuits such as fox-hunting or hare-coursing."

Finian McGrath, TD (Independent, Dublin North Central):
"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.

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.

Liz McManus, TD (Labour, Wicklow):
"I support a ban on live hare coursing, carted deer hunting and a tightening up of regulations on fox hunting."

Darragh O'Brien, TD (Fianna Fail, Dublin North):
According to a report in the Sunday Times (November 18th, 2007), one of the few TDs who defended the Ward Union deerhunt was Darragh O'Brien, TD.

Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin, TD (SF, Cavan/Monaghan):
"I am totally opposed to live hare coursing."

Noel O'Flynn, TD (FF, Cork North Central):
"I am on record as being totally opposed to all forms of blood sport. I will support any future legislation that will outlaw cruel blood sports."

Ned O'Keeffe, TD (FF, Cork East):
"Speaking to the Sunday Independent, Fianna Fail back-bench TD Ned O'Keeffe warned the Greens that any attempt to abolish 'rural pursuits' such as hare coursing 'by stealth' will be 'vigorously resisted'." (Sunday Independent, September 20 2009)

Christy O'Sullivan, TD (Fianna Fail, Cork South-West):
According to a report in the Sunday Times (November 18th, 2007), one of the few TDs who defended the Ward Union deerhunt was Christy O'Sullivan, TD.

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

Sean Power, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Fianna Fail, Kildare South):
"I was a greyhound owner in the past and my family was involved down through the years in the industry. I like a night at the dogs. In recent years, the issue of clerical abuse has received a great deal of publicity. However, as a former altar boy, my experience of the church was much different. I was an altar boy to a priest who loved both horse and greyhound racing and I had the pleasure of travelling around the country to attend horse and greyhound race meetings and even the odd coursing meeting. I learned a great deal and my experience with this priest was joyous and educational. I am grateful for the education I received about greyhounds and horses." (During a Dail debate on the Greyhound Industry [Doping Regulation] Bill 2006, 8th June 2006)

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."

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."

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."

Dick Roche, Minister for the Environment (FF, Wicklow):
"Neither you or anybody else will ever find any support from me for fox hunting." (The minister made this statement on 8th April 2007 in response to an email from a member of the public)

Eamon Ryan, TD (Green, Dublin South):
"Like most of my fellow Green Party TDs, I am firmly opposed to the current practice of fox hunting and hare coursing in the country which I feel cannot be defended on the grounds of preserving rural traditions or indeed any other conservation or rural development arguments.

"I also have a particular interest in improving animal welfare via a radical change in the industrial farming practices which I feel have the greatest detrimental effect on animal welfare in this country. Perhaps the two issues can be developed in tandem as a proper respect for our wild animals, and indeed the environment around us, might also lead to a greater respect for the animals which we use in our farming industry."

Trevor Sargent, TD (Green, Dublin North):
"I feel we have reached a point in our history where almost unanimous agreement has been reached in rejecting political violence and, to ensure that society develops respecting life in general, it is important I believe to reject violence in the name of 'sport' also.

"Foxhunting, however, does not need to be violent if it takes the form of a drag hunt which spares the fox from the torturous and exhausting chase with the possibility of horrific and slow death."

Joe Sherlock, TD (Labour, Cork East):
"On the basis that hares are now muzzled and very few fatalities occur within the sport I feel that I would not be in a position to have my name added to [the list of TDs who support an end to coursing in Ireland]." (August 2003)

Noel Treacy, TD (FF, Galway East):
According to a report in the Sunday Times (November 18th, 2007), one of the few TDs who defended the Ward Union deerhunt was Noel Treacy, TD. The Galway SPCA criticised the TD for his stance and encouraged Galway people to lodge complaints.

At a pro-hunt meeting in January 2008, Deputy Treacy spoke in favour of hunting, suggesting that the biggest threat it faced was complacency. "When I was in charge of the Wildlife Service," he announced, "I got constant letters from ICABS to ban hunting and in all my time there only ever got one letter pro hunting." (Galway Independent - 23 January 2008)

Joe Walsh, TD, former Minister for Agriculture (FF, Cork South West):
"I am quite satisfied with our operation of fox hunting and other field activities here.” (In response to an ICABS appeal for an inquiry into hunting with hounds. Irish Independent, August 2000.)

Views of current Senators

Senator Ivana Bacik (Independent):
"I am asking you to refuse a licence to the Ward Union deer hunt," she 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)

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).

Senator Dan Boyle (Green Party):
"My views on blood sports are quite simple. I believe that the use of animals against animals for the purposes of 'sport', with the intent to kill or maim, is morally wrong and should be suitably legislated against."

Views of former TDs

Andrew Boylan, TD (FG):
"In County Cavan one sees ordinary people going out on foot every Sunday with their little terriers or hounds. They may chase a hare up to the highest hilltop, watch the hunt, listen to the hounds and see the hare scooting off as happy as Larry." (During the Wildlife Bill debate in Dáil Éireann in April 2000).

Dan Boyle, TD (Green, Cork South Central):
"My views on blood sports are quite simple. I believe that the use of animals against animals for the purposes of 'sport', with the intent to kill or maim, is morally wrong and should be suitably legislated against."

Séamus Brennan, TD (RIP) (FF, Dublin South):
"I have no difficulty in stating my own personal view which is that I am against all blood sports."

Ben Briscoe, TD (FF):
"All through my political life covering over thirty years I have been consistently against and spoken out against blood sports so you can take it that I will continue to do whatever I can to abolish blood sports."

Dr Jerry Cowley, TD (Ind, Mayo):
"I think [blood sports are] barbaric and totally unnecessary."

Seán Crowe, TD (SF, 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'."

Alan Dukes, TD (FG):
"Kildare South TD, Alan Dukes, angered farmers when he called on the government to prevent delays to the start of the 2001/02 foxhunting season. Coming amid ongoing fears over the spread of foot and mouth disease, the appeal was criticised by farmers who fear foxhunters could ruin their livelihoods by spreading disease. Alan Dukes reportedly put pressure on the Agriculture Minister, Joe Walsh, to meet with foxhunting groups to arrange a re-start to the hunting season. An article in the Farmers’ Journal criticised the Fine Gael Front Bench Spokesperson on Agriculture for his efforts to get hunts up and running again."

Chris Flood, TD (FF):
"I am personally opposed to all forms of blood sports and would like to see an end to them...I will continue to work toward this objective."

Tony Gregory, TD (Independent, Dublin Central), 1947-2009, RIP:
"Live hare coursing — a medieval and cruel practice — is still legal and should be banned outright as has been done in more advanced countries. Even the most prominent owners and trainers are involved in doping. The dog that won the coursing greyhound of the year award, Boa Vista, is owned by Vinnie Jones and others. It also won the Irish Cup 2005-06, sponsored by J.P. McManus, receiving prize money of €80,000. It tested positive for a banned drug following that win but we still do not know what drug was involved. The Irish Coursing Club is a law unto itself and is not fit to regulate anything involving animal welfare...This Bill is welcome if it can clean up one corrupt aspect of the greyhound industry. Regrettably, the industry is riddled with corrupt practices and a complete investigation into all aspects of the industry is needed. I refer in particular to the illegal, disgraceful practice of blooding greyhounds with live rabbits, hares and kittens. RTE ably exposed these practices some time ago." During a Dail debate on the Greyhound Industry (Doping Regulation) Bill 2006, 8th June 2006.

"Self enforcement is as effective as the Garda Complaints Commission. It is totally ineffective. There is no monitoring or independent checks. The rules [in the foxhunters' so-called code of conduct] are meaningless."

Tony Gregory was the vice-president of the Irish Council Against Blood Sports. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis. Please see our Tributes to Tony Gregory page.

Seamus Healy, TD (Independent, Tipperary South):
"This is a small but important industry, particularly in the area from where I come in south Tipperary in which the Clonmel track is located and which hosts the national coursing festival each year. The greyhound and coursing industries are important and give much employment and support to other industries and business in the town of Clonmel and much enjoyment and sport to the many people involved at all levels." During a Dail debate on the Greyhound Industry (Doping Regulation) Bill 2006, 8th June 2006.

Brendan McGahon, TD (FG):
"My views are fairly well-known. I'm totally opposed to hare coursing. It's a barbaric game and fox-hunting is even worse. In my youth, I used to course and was sickened by it. It's a dreadfully cruel game in which timid little creatures are butchered by dogs often psyched up and blooded beforehand by unscrupulous people. The hares are torn apart, watched and cheered by a group of blood-thirsty people, very often including local clergy.

"I'm a bit cynical about the impact of muzzling. When these dogs are travelling at very high speed and slide in for the kill, they can fatally injure these fragile creatures."
(Sunday Independent, January 11th, 1998)

Marian McGennis, TD (FF):
"You may be assured of my continued opposition to blood sports in Ireland."

Alan Shatter, TD (FG):
"I am totally opposed to hunting wild animals with dogs."

Views of former Senators

Senator Mary Henry (Independent):
"You can be sure of my support. I have spoken [against hare coursing] before and will write to Minister Dick Roche about it." (June 2005)

Senator Jim Higgins (FG):
"I am totally and unequivocally anti-blood sports. I think foxhunting is appealing to the lowest possible instincts in so-called civilised men. It is manifest barbaric cruelty."

Senator Rory Kiely (FF):
"I recall the previous outbreak of foot and mouth disease in 1967. All sporting fixtures were abandoned. I kept greyhounds at the time and was a keen coursing enthusiast." (February 2001)

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