Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Much of the debate on the Minister's side has been about greater regulation and increased emphasis on codes of practice. They will not be worth the paper on which they are written unless there are qualified inspectors with the necessary expertise to ensure adherence to those regulations and that the codes and standards of practice are being addressed. There are concerns among some animal welfare groups that even when gardaí go in to a situation people get away with cruelty because the gardaí are not exactly sure of the legal rights. There have been requests that ISPCA inspectors be considered as authorised officers in non-farm cases. They have proven themselves. They have the knowledge and expertise and they act impartially and professionally. To enforce the greater regulation that the Minister wants and that we all support, there is a need for trained inspectors. Is there a sufficient register of people who abuse animals and is it kept in a professional way so that these people are known?

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