Tom Barry (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I can see where both parties are coming from on this issue. It comes down to ensuring the authorised officer receives the correct training and has the necessary experience. We must be fair to the three parties involved - the complainant, the person who is the subject of the complaint and the Department. Perhaps some guidelines should be attached to this in order that everybody will be clear. I understand the Minister's point. There were instances where one could see a major welfare incident was about to happen. In one case it was due to financial circumstances. Everybody knew it was going to happen and there was no point in leaving the animals to die and dealing with the issue afterwards. However, we must protect people from spurious or vexatious complaints or an inspector who might have a God complex and decides he or she knows better than everybody else. For everybody's benefit, perhaps there should be guidelines and protocols for engagement in this matter.