Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)

The Minister not only does not consult people about legislation, he then refuses to listen to the debate about it in the Chamber. That is not the way to go about legislating on a matter as divisive and controversial as this. The Minister is doing this at a time when we need rural and urban communities to work together to bring the economy back on track.

At a meeting with senior departmental officials and Wild Deer Ireland, a commitment was given that a consultation process would begin to address the concerns over the impact of the legislation on legitimate deer-hunters and deer-stalkers. To date, no consultation has taken place.

Wild Deer Ireland raised this issue at the recent meeting of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. It also mentioned that Coillte was very concerned about the legislation. I refer to the record of that meeting. Speaking for the group, Mr. Hannigan stated that it was fair to say Coillte has expressed deep concern about the implications of creating this new offence and it would write to the Minister, Deputy Gormley, to express its concern. Mr. Hannigan went on to state that his organisation met senior officials from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It is a fair representation of that meeting to suggest it is also concerned about the implications.

It is the view of the National Parks and Wildlife Service that section 3(2) should be referred to the Minister, the Attorney General and the Parliamentary Counsel. These groups have sought consultation with the Minister to ensure the legislation is thought through and such that the protection of wildlife is maximised. The Minister has decided not to do this. He simply seeks a unilateral ban to get his trophy legislation through before the summer. That appears more important than anything else. It is more important to him than animal welfare.

See this speech in context