John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

The legislation is absolutely clear, and I suggest that the Deputy read it. Inspections are a function of the local authority or an authorised person nominated by the local authority. That is the best way forward. There are individuals from the ISPCA who are interested in animal welfare. That is a point I wanted to make earlier but neglected to do so. Deputy Hogan mentioned animal rights. We must distinguish between animal welfare and animal rights. This is an animal welfare Bill and the people nominated to carry out inspections are those who are interested in animal welfare.

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