Mr. Conor Brennan:

Local authorities play a key role in enforcement. On the data piece, within the legislation, they must hold the records and make them available. That is in its vaguest terms. We would definitely see that a modernisation of the Act requires making data digital, accessible and available. It is also key that there is an option to cross-check data, as the Senator described, against other databases. It comes full circle and feeds into the new rules on the online supply of pet animals where, if one has a DBE licence, one gives the number. What this does is empower the public. Where there is a DBE registered licenceholder, members of the public can check where the DBE is, or its general vicinity, and they should be able to check how many breeding bitches there are and how many dogs are coming out of the dog breeding establishment. It means that if members of the public choose to buy a dog, they know where the dog is coming from and they should know that the welfare standards are being upheld.

Inspections are key. The Senator is right that there is an uneven standard across the country. Local authorities have inspections. It is important to stress that the guidelines contain a recognition that inspections can be unannounced apart from maybe the initial inspection of the premises. Local authorities use that power. The provision goes back to what is contained in primary legislation. The guidelines, placed on a statutory footing, empower the inspector to say that this is in legislation and these are the hygiene standards, dietary standards and so forth. That is important as it helps local authorities and inspectors.