Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

We are trying to clear the way in respect of the body of animal welfare legislation. I am sure the Minister agrees with our line of questioning in that we are merely seeking clarification. We seek clarification on the negotiations with the ICC and Bord na gCon regarding the role of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food vis-À-vis the amended 1958 legislation. The second point concerns how specifically that Act will be amended.

The animal welfare Bill is under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. On no fewer than ten occasions, the Labour Party has asked the Taoiseach when that legislation will be published. We do not have a Bill before us even though we are told it will be published in the autumn. If this is on the C list of the Government's legislative programme, where is the balance of priorities and how does the Minister envisage its implementation? Will legislation enacted now be superseded by that legislation or is it separate? It is very confusing. I am relatively new to this game but I am trying to speak with common sense. With respect to the Minister, all I seek from him are some clear unambiguous answers to which Members are entitled.

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