POLITICAL FOCUS: John Paul Phelan TD (Fine Gael, Carlow Kilkenny) - Voted against a ban on cruel hare coursing. In the past four years, he backed €244 million in state funding for horse and greyhound racing. Canvassed foxhunters for votes. “I will not be supporting any ban on stag hunting”. “This Bill is potentially devastating for greyhound breeders”...
In June 2016, John Paul Phelan was among the 114 TDs who voted against Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan’s bill which sought to ban cruel hare coursing.
In December 2016, 2017 and 2019, voted in favour of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations which granted €80 million / €80 million / €84 million of taxpayers’ money to horse and greyhound racing.
“At a recent meet of the Kilmoganny Hounds, members were canvassed for their support by successful Fine Gael candidates Tom Hayes (Tipperary South) and John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny)”. From the Hunting Association of Ireland website. An accompanying photo shows “Tom Hayes and John Paul Phelan at a recent meet of the Kilmoganny Hounds” next to horses and hounds. (2011)
“I will not be supporting any ban on stag hunting.” (2010)
“This Bill is potentially devastating for greyhound breeders and others. On Second Stage, for example, I mentioned hunt kennels. The Bill is the thin edge of the wedge in respect of what are loosely termed as country pursuits. I urge the Minister of State, as a representative of the largest Government party and one that, unlike some of the other parties in government, has roots in rural Ireland, to reflect on what is being proposed…Many of my neighbours who are rural people, although not farmers, have a few greyhounds and one of their few pleasures in life is to walk them every morning and evening and perhaps go to Kilcohan Park in Waterford or the greyhound track in Kilkenny city. When we have seen investment by the Government and from elsewhere in upgrading greyhound stadiums, it is bizarre to consider placing extra charges and impositions on greyhound breeders. I hope the Minister of State who represents the rural-based party in government will look to the people he knows who are involved in the greyhound industry and ensure they are not subject to a ridiculous form of double inspection.” Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage, 9 March 2010.
Find out the views of other politicians at
https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2020/05/14/tds-and-animal-cruelty-issues-2/
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