Ireland is an outlier in allowing cruel fox hunting. It is 20 years since it was banned in the UK, which first introduced this colonial pursuit here. I want to ask the Taoiseach a question but I do not want him to answer it now. Unusually, I would prefer if he gave it consideration. There has not been a Bill to outlaw fox hunting in the State. I will move one on behalf of Solidarity on 17 December. I ask the Taoiseach and other party leaders in the Dáil to consider allowing a free vote on this issue. Some 77% of people want fox hunting banned, including 74% of those in rural areas, in the most recent polls. However, the three large parties support and maintain it with a whip. This does not reflect the democratic wishes of the majority in Ireland. Imposing a whip did not work well in the presidential election. I ask the Taoiseach to consider allowing a free vote on this.

Have you any regard for the lambs that the foxes kill?

Please, Deputy Healy-Rae-----

What is that?

No, Taoiseach.

Give it a rest

Has she any regard for the lambs that the foxes-----

This is not appropriate. We are sticking to the time. The Taoiseach to respond, please.

I have not seen the Bill. Normally what happens is that a Bill is published and people look at it and make up their minds whether they want to support it. The colonial appellation is a new one on me.

That is what it was.

A lot of people have practised this throughout rural Ireland historically. They have been involved in hunting. There is always balance in debates of this kind. We await publication of the Bill.