With regard to the legislation to amend the Irish Horseracing Industry Act 1994 and deal with related matters, will the Tánaiste ensure the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine introduces a proper culling scheme for the horses in the country at present? Thousands of owners cannot dispose of them because of very strong restrictions. This is an emergency matter and I hope it will be addressed in the forthcoming legislation. Also, it is costing local authorities hundreds of thousands of euro to dispose of the horses within their remit. It is only fair we introduce a proper system-----

The Deputy cannot debate the issue. He can only ask the question.

-----and appropriate compensation for the owners of these horses.

A horseracing Bill is due to be published later in the session, but obviously that issue does not come under that Bill. The Animal Health and Welfare Act was enacted earlier this year, so it is probably a case of the application of the law by the relevant authorities.