Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations. The recommendation on the export of dogs is sensible and should probably be included in the Bill. Obviously we only want to see dogs exported to countries with proper welfare standards. The ISPCA spoke about authorised officers, and the fact it is not authorised under the under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 but is authorised under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. There is provision for the board to appoint authorised officers. As the legislation stands, could ISPCA inspectors be appointed as authorised officers by the board? Is it something that would meet its requirements with regard to welfare checks?

It was stated that people convicted of animal welfare offences are not excluded from being on the board, but under head 6 they will be excluded from being members of the board. With regard to the maximum number of litters allowed being no more than five, is there a rationale for this? The Bill proposes nine. Is there a rationale for this other than the desirability for fewer litters?