Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister. I am seeking clarification of a number of matters. Section 2(1) deals with definitions. Will the Minister provide clarification of what is meant by an intensive unit? Are automated scrapers, automatic feeders and so on included in the definition in this regard?

I have been approached on the definition of what constitutes a farm animal. When one reads the section, it is obvious that the definition in this regard is clear. Some of the farming organisations are of the view that there must be a clear distinction between animals kept for farming purposes and those used for sport, recreation and breeding which are not associated with the production of food, etc. Will the Minister indicate whether sufficient clarification is provided in the Bill of this matter?

Is it safe to assume that under the definition of what constitutes a premises, a farm dwelling house is exempt? I have also been asked to seek clarification of the definition of protected animals. Does the definition distinguish between animals kept for farming purposes and those kept for other purposes? I accept that this is probably covered by the definition of a farm animal to which I have referred.