558. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport for an update on horse carriage legislation for Dublin; if his Department will be introducing its own legislation to allow for the regulation of horse carriage licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58384/26]

The Department remains committed to progressing legislation that will replace the Dublin Carriage Act 1853 to ensure that the Dublin City Council is provided with an appropriate legal basis to regulate this area, and the Bill remains on the Government’s legislative programme.

Government agreed, in December 2019, to develop a comprehensive General Scheme of a Bill to legislate in relation to Horse Drawn Carriages for hire or reward. The existing legislation is being reviewed and initial scoping work on the Bill has taken place. The development of legislation of this nature, which involves the repeal of legislation which pre-dates the foundation of the State, is complex and technical. A General Scheme will be devised, in conjunction with Dublin City Council and other key stakeholders, such as Department of Agriculture and An Garda Síochána, to address this lacuna and ensure legislative consistency across the country.

The intention of this legislation is to provide for a framework under which bye-laws made by local authorities can specify detailed rules and regulations. It is important to note that the Horse Drawn Carriage for Hire or Reward Bill will not affect existing legislation that provides for animal welfare such as the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and the Control of Horses Act 1996 or interfere with existing road traffic legislation, all of which must be complied with by operators of horse drawn carriages for hire or reward.

It is planned to undertake a targeted consultation with stakeholders in 2026, following which, it is anticipated that a Draft General Scheme of the Horse Drawn Carriages Bill for Hire or Reward could be developed by late 2026 or early 2027 for approval by Government.

It is important to note that other legislation is in place in relation to animal welfare matters which are dealt with by the Department for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, people in possession of a protected animal, including horses, must ensure the animal is kept and treated in a manner that safeguards their health and welfare. Failure to do this is considered an offence under that Act.

In addition, section 33 of the Control of Horses Act 1996 provides that An Garda Siochána may compel individuals in control of horses to obtain necessary attention from a veterinarian if the horse is in pain, distress, neglect or is severely injured, diseased or in need of veterinary attention. Failure to comply is an offence.

Furthermore, the drivers of all vehicles used on public roads, including horse-drawn carriages, are required to comply with road traffic legislation and to behave in a safe manner paying due care to other road users. The enforcement of such road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.