Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 33:

In page 35, between lines 27 and 28, to insert the following:“(4) An authorised officer appointed under subsection (3) shall not exercise a function conferred on an authorised officer in relation to—

(a) an animal of the bovine, ovine, porcine or caprine species which is kept on a farm for the commercial production of food for human consumption, or

(b) a horse kept on such a farm.”.

This provides for distinguishing of the role of authorised officers on farms from the role of authorised officers everywhere else. There was a genuine concern among the farming community that we would introduce new authorised officers who would not have an understanding of farming. I have said the authorised officers currently inspecting farms are likely to be the same people who will continue to do it. The contracts we may enter into with experienced officers working for the ISPCA and other welfare organisations will not involve farms. The organisations are not looking for access to farms anyway.

See this speech in context