Dáil Éireann - Volume 95 - 09 November, 1944

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Motor Cars for Coursing Meetings.

Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Supplies if, in view of the opening of the coursing season, he will consider granting permission to hackney-men to convey dogs, dog-owners and bookmakers to coursing meetings during the season.

Dr. Ryan: The prohibition on the use of hackney vehicles for the conveyance of passengers in connection with sports fixtures applies generally to all forms of sport. I am not prepared to grant exceptional treatment to passengers attending coursing meetings.

Mr. O'Leary: Do the Government deny that this industry is being handicapped during the open coursing season? Do the Government deny that dog-owners are bringing sales to the City of Dublin worth many thousands of pounds? The position is that these people are not allowed to come in a motor car, while motor cars can be brought freely to dances all over the country — functions that are not half as important as coursing meetings. I think it is up to the Minister to allow hackney men, now that they have a double supply of petrol, to use their cars to bring these people to coursing meetings.