Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to speak to these amendments on artificial insemination together. Section 26 sets down the enabling provisions that will allow the proposed Rásaíocht Con Éireann to make regulations on the artificial insemination of greyhounds. It is a recasting of existing provisions in section 39 of the 1958 Act relating to artificial insemination.

Amendment No. 7 seeks to include natural service as part of artificial insemination when this is not the case. It is not appropriate to have a reference to natural service under this heading, as section 26 clearly addresses artificial insemination only. Natural service does not require regulation to the same degree, as it is a natural process. Therefore, I cannot accept this amendment.

Amendment No. 8 seeks to set down in primary legislation the maximum percentage of semen derived from deceased greyhound sires used in breeding. Such detail is more appropriate to secondary legislation where it can be changed more easily to reflect changing circumstances. Section 26(1) of the Bill allows the board to make regulations, with the consent of the Minister, setting down in secondary legislation precisely the type of restriction being proposed by the Deputy in amendment No. 8. Therefore, I cannot accept this amendment either.