Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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This is where it gets quite complex and this is part of the problem. What I was referring to earlier with Mr. Gleeson was that when he spoke of a root and branch approach, what I do not want to see is the equine sector being root and branch reviewed and certain criteria applied, if he can see what I am getting at here, and then in another section we are back here in a year's time talking about cats or dogs or donkeys; it does not really matter. We have to have the same approach to operators. I am not saying there are concerns out there for certain operators. There is one or two that local authorities are dealing with and Mr. Blake is right that there are certain agreements with local authorities for dogs being rescued or impounded.

What I am talking about is overall animal health and that we have to have a full review to ensure that they are all operating to the same standard and the Department can categorically tell us, here and in the future, that if somebody has a conviction or if there are concerns or complaints received, the Department has the ability, wherewithal and necessary resources to ensure that there are additional inspections. The concern that all the Deputies here this morning have spoken about is that we are receiving complaints and concerns about from our constituents are listened to and acted on by the Department. I did not want to put words in Mr. Gleeson's mouth but I would like reassurance that when we are talking about animal welfare, it is absolutely important for the equine sector but I am talking about the overall position.