Does the Taoiseach agree that the racing of the horse-drawn vehicles called sulkies on public roads is completely unacceptable? It is incredible to think that, under existing road traffic legislation, in particular section 74 of the Roads Act 1993, it is allowed for under certain circumstances. I am engaging with the Department of Transport in my role as Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport on the heads of the road traffic Bill, which are due to be presented to the Government before the summer recess. There is an opportunity to address that and to amend section 74 of the 1993 Act. I have also written to the Ministers for justice, agriculture and Transport for the establishment of a working group that would also look at issues around minimum age, licensing and the regulatory framework. There is no minimum age for driving a horse-drawn vehicle, so I would appreciate the Taoiseach's support in terms of amending section 74 of the Act and the establishment of the working group.

Broadly speaking, I favour what the Deputy says in terms of a proper regulatory framework. In many instances, established practices and existing laws have not been comprehensive enough to deal with all of the issues relating to road safety, including the general safety of people, and there are also the issues of equine welfare and animal welfare concerns. The welfare of equines is protected by legislation. There is a commitment in the programme for Government to build on existing inspectorate supports across the country, ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare. I understand that correspondence has been exchanged this week between the Ministers for agriculture, Transport and justice with a view to arranging an initial scoping meeting at official level. That is the first positive step in this, and we will bring the three Ministers and their Departments together to get moving on this.