Licences allowing coursing clubs to capture live hares for the winter season have been granted by the government despite renewed calls from animal welfare advocates for a ban on the sport.

The Irish Council Against Blood Sports released a statement saying it was “shameful” that the practice of hare coursing would be permitted to continue into next year.

To debate this Shane spoke to Aideen Yourell, spokesperson for the council and Michael Healy Rae, Independent TD for Kerry .