79. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider a ban on fox hunting with dogs in light of a Bill to ban hunting mammals with dogs passing second stage in the Northern Ireland Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52310/26]

Animal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. My Department has lead policy responsibility within government for animal welfare and takes this matter most seriously.

I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner and remain committed to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare.

On the general matter of hunting, a detailed debate was held during the passage of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and the Dáil decided to allow the continuation of fox hunting in accordance with an appropriate code of conduct. On 28th May 2025, a Private Members Bill to ban fox hunting was introduced. It proceeded to a second stage reading on 17th December 2025, where it was opposed.

Section 25 of the Animal Health & Welfare Act 2013 allows for the establishment of codes of practice and for the adoption of codes published by other persons for the purposes of providing practical guidance relating to any aspect of the Act, including fox hunting. Voluntary codes of practice have been established by the Hunting Association of Ireland which detail the conduct to be adhered to in respect of the hunting of foxes and the treatment of the animal during the hunt. The code also considers local concerns and the concerns of the landowner(s) on whose land hunting takes place.

I have no plans to change the existing legislation.

My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. The dedicated email address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:

Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.

Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie

All report of alleged cruelty or neglect received by my Department are investigate and appropriate action is taken.