Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The amendment tabled by Deputy Ciarán Lynch is similar to amendments Nos. 16 and 17 that I tabled in a different section. I agree with the sentiments expressed by my colleague, Deputy Ciarán Lynch, about the misinformation being given by the Minister, Deputy Gormley, to try to convey the impression that he did not wish to do anything except the honourable thing in respect of animal welfare. The Minister introduced a form of misinformation to various Deputies, including a Cabinet Minister, which is remarkable, as far back as 2008. Deputy Lynch correctly referred to that. The Minister brought the greyhound industry, the Hunting Association of Ireland and their affiliated clubs into the equation in terms of the Bill. He generated the controversy and he has spent the past couple of weeks trying to extricate himself from it-----

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