Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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Section 34 amends the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 by making two minor typographical corrections to existing provisions and clarifying one existing provision. There are no new or changed policies being introduced as a result of the proposed changes, which are intended simply to avoid any criticism impact if these matters are raised as part of a court action. I understand what Deputy Stanley has said and I am of a similar mind on the issue. The Bill does not really allow necessarily for a huge debate on dog breeding establishments, as it is quite a technical Bill.

I draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has recently made comprehensive regulations under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 governing the microchipping of all dogs. The Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015, signed by the Minister, Deputy Coveney, in February 2015, require the microchipping and registration of all newborn pups from 1 September 2015, and the microchipping and registration of all dogs from 31 March 2016. As the Minister has already provided for the penalties being sought by Deputy Stanley, I would welcome Deputy Stanley's withdrawal of his amendment.