Courts / Ireland / Report

'Unsafe" for hare coursing to continue, State tells High Court

Summary

The High Court heard submissions in judicial review proceedings brought by the Irish Coursing Club (ICC) against the Ministers for Health and Housing, and Local Government and Heritage. The ICC seeks an injunction to allow hare coursing to resume during current pandemic restrictions, alleging the Minister for Health's decision to delist the sport was irrational, lacked transparency, and was discriminatory. Counsel for the ICC, Martin Hayden SC and Eoin O'Shea BL, argued that the exclusion was unfair compared to permitted sports like greyhound racing and horse racing, and alleged the decision was tainted by bias due to Minister Stephen Donnelly's past support for banning coursing. They claimed the delisting occurred without consultation with relevant departments. In response, Michael Cush SC, representing the State, submitted that it is unsafe to allow coursing in the current climate and that the government is entitled to restrict the sport to protect public health. He argued coursing differs from other sports as it takes place in open areas rather than enclosed stadia, and that the majority of sports are currently curtailed under Level 5 restrictions without complaint. The State denied all allegations of bias or discrimination. Following the conclusion of submissions, Ms Justice Niamh Hyland reserved her decision, acknowledging the urgency of the application and stating she hoped to deliver judgment as soon as possible. The matter was adjourned pending the judge's ruling.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Unsafe" for hare coursing to continue, State tells High Court. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• Christmas Other
• Christmas Eve Other
• 2021-01-19 Publication

Why: It was also untrue to say that coursing is being singled out or that it is being discriminated against because members of the government are opposed to the sport, the court also heard. CNI source report

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Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report