Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The approach we have taken to debating these amendments has been reasonable. I thank the Minister for providing us with the detailed briefing we requested. I do not think we will reach agreement on fur farming, coursing and hunting, where fundamental differences of opinion apply. I indicated on Second Stage that I am not in favour of an outright ban on these activities. However, they must be governed by codes of practice that ensure people do not abuse their rights in a way that is disagreeable to the vast number of people.

I agree completely with the Minister's approach on badgers. As science evolves, trapping reduces and vaccination increases. On fur farming, I can never get my head around the logic that it is all right to farm for food but not to farm for clothes. The vegetarian would argue that we do not need to kill animals for food or clothing. I take the view that the production of animals for food is a reasonable activity and that it is also reasonable to choose to eat meat. I cannot understand why the same logic does not apply to clothes. The question around fur farming is whether the standards applied are as high as we would expect among animals farmed for food. Are the methods of killing the animals humane and are the farming practices fair? Our standards for intensive farming of fowl and pigs have evolved and improved over time. I was interested in hearing the Minister's recommendations on improving standards in fur farming. Leaving aside the end use, which I do not regard as an issue, it is important the sector is well regulated.

I have one brief question on hunting and hare coursing. The codes of practice under the Bill are enforceable in that they will have to be taken into consideration by a court when making a judgment on a prosecution. The people who carry out these activities want to operate to high standards and, therefore, the development and enforcement of strict codes are important. I agree with the approach that the Minister has taken because it allows him to protect against any abuse that may occur among a small minority.