I will probably be the only Deputy who will raise the subject of animal welfare, about which I am concerned. Despite the recent legislation and efforts by some of us really to address animal welfare issues, Ireland is still a cruel country regarding the treatment of animals.
We see this with hare coursing because of injuries to both hares and greyhounds. Ireland is one of the very few countries to continue to allow the practice. We have digging out of foxes, which even fox-hunters believe is cruel, and there is serious neglect of horses.
Although there is a ban on stag hunting, it is being blatantly ignored. The badger issue, animals in circuses, vivisection and the opening of another fur farm must also be considered. Those who are dedicated to animal welfare and who protest peacefully are being harassed, physically assaulted and threatened when they protest. There is inactivity on the part of the Garda when these issues are raised by protesters.
