That is not true and the Taoiseach knows it. He has the power. It was used previously to stop the regionalisation of MABS.

In 2016 alone the total amount of horses that were seized, reclaimed, re-homed or indeed euthanised in the State was an astonishing 1,741. There were 129 horses seized in Tipperary and 122 of them had to be put down. I have it from one constituent who works in animal rescue that they paid €1,000 to treat a horse after it was seized, and there are many cases such as this. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is now insisting that the horse be returned to the owner because he has produced the horse's passport. The issue of sulky racing and the abuse of animals and horses in Tipperary, and other areas, is appalling. Last Sunday the county was overrun with gangs. The gardaí were trying to keep up with them on roads that are unsafe-----

To which promised legislation is the Deputy referring?

The Horse and Greyhound Racing Act. This is a crazy situation of cruelty and the frightening intimidation of people. When animal rescuers are trying to do voluntary work they are not being supported. The Department will not stand up to these gangs. Imagine insisting that a sick horse should be returned to the people who abused it.

Will there be any amendments to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act?

I am advised that there are no amendments proposed to that legislation.