Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Could the Department publish its account as to how that licence was granted within the three-year period? I asked the Minister whether there was a register of animal abusers so that people who did have convictions would never be licensed to handle animals again, particularly in a slaughterhouse, and I got a straight "No". I disagree with him. He said that the media reported on animal cruelty cases and he did not think it was necessary. However, the media did report on the owner of this establishment. There is a cultural concern there in the Department around animal welfare concerning such a register of animal abusers and them being prevented from being licensed to have a slaughterhouse or working with animals. We cannot have people who have been convicted of animal cruelty being licensed by the State to handle animals in a vulnerable state where they are going to be slaughtered. In a reply, the Minister said the fact that cruelty cases are reported by the media would negate the need for a register. Would Mr. Sheahan agree with that?