Government to oppose opposition's bill to ban hare coursing

Government spokesperson said hare coursing operated under the 'most tightly controlled regulatory framework of any field in Irish sport'.

The Government is to oppose efforts by the opposition to ban hare coursing, with no plans to grant coalition TDs a free vote.

Cabinet on Tuesday confirmed it would oppose People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy’s bill to ban the blood sport on animal welfare grounds.

A Government spokesperson said it recognised the “depth of feeling” surrounding hare coursing, but it could not support a ban.

The spokesperson said hare coursing operated under the “most tightly controlled regulatory framework of any field in Irish sport”.

“The Department [of Agriculture’s] priority is to strengthen enforcement against the illegal hunting of the hare, including stronger sanction and expanded law of trespass,” the spokesperson said.

Asked if a free vote would be permitted for Government TDs, the spokesperson said it would not be.

They added conscience votes were not designed for issues like hare coursing, but for issues like the removal of the three-day waiting period for an abortion or ‘right to die’ legislation.

Mr Murphy said he was very disappointed to see the Government parties oppose a free vote.

“Simon Harris just weeks ago said that there should be more free votes. Apparently, the hares don't qualify for the Fine Gael conscience,” Mr Murphy said.

“I hope that some backbenchers defy the whip and vote in line with 77% of the public who want to see hare coursing banned."

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Speaking previously, Conor Dowling of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said the practice has been banned in Britain since 2004 and Northern Ireland since 2011, with a recent poll showing 77% of Irish people support it being prohibited.