Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I am disappointed by the Minister's response. I was led to believe he was going to treat hunt clubs in which pups are bred for replenishing packs but not for sale differently from breeding establishments. Accordingly, hunt clubs would be treated in the same way as the greyhound industry in this legislation. I accept the Minister's amendment No. 41 goes some distance in allaying the fears of hunt clubs in this regard. However, I believe the exemption should be based on them not selling pups. I accept there is a need for regulation and inspection of establishments.

The Hunting Association of Ireland subscribes to ensuring proper animal welfare standards in the same way as laid down in the 1958 Greyhound Act. At the Oireachtas committee on the environment, the association outlined very cogently and to the satisfaction of all committee members that it was operating to strict animal welfare standards. This Bill is about ensuring good animal welfare standards. The hunt clubs already have high standards with their own registration system. Will the Minister re-examine this amendment, particularly in the context of how he treats the greyhound industry?

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