Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has given us a confused picture in matters relating to dog breeding in his contribution today. It is very different from what he intended and from what he was highlighting over a period of time. The principle of regulating puppy farms is a long-established political requirement which all sides of the House want to see resolved once and for all. The working group mentioned by the Minister, which was established by his predecessor in 2005, was set up for the purpose of regulating puppy farms. However, in his zealousness in dealing with matters concerning rural pursuits, the Minister strayed a little, as most dogs do from time to time, into areas that are none of his business, including into the working group's recommendations. He could not leave a sleeping dog lie.

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