Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I recognise the importance of the Bill and the widespread discussions and consultations the Minister of State has had, the necessity to bring forward good governance and the establishment of Rásaíocht Con Éireann and all it entails. We do not want to unduly hold up the progress of the Bill. I still believe the amendments are reasonable. The Minister of State has said making the white list and enforcing it under the amendments would be impossible but when one looks at international trade one finds all types of restrictions and rules. We have been getting used to President Trump introducing various sanctions and tariffs unilaterally across the board and, quite clearly, despite the Attorney General's advice, what the Minister of State is saying in this regard is absolutely not the case. When similar amendments were tabled in Seanad Éireann by the Civil Engagement group, Senator Ruane stated it is possible to seek a derogation under Article 36 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union based on public morality, public policy or public security or the protection of the health and life for humans, animals or plants. Clearly, there is a legal basis for what we seek to do. The genesis of the white list comes from the excellent advocacy group, Dogs Trust, and is simply to protect the animals because we have had endless horror stories of what has happened to our dogs in jurisdictions such as China and Macau.

It is particularly regrettable the Minister of State feels he cannot even accept amendment No. 7 on the annual reports. With a small amount of additional invigilation it should be possible at least to have a stab at getting the information. I hope at some stage it will come forward in the draw and I will have an opportunity to table a greyhound welfare Bill in my own name. Until then, the Minister of State should give serious consideration to including the definition of a white list of countries that do not have the requisite standards for animal welfare and all of the other amendments that seek to give impact to this. The Minister of State should at least consider amendment No. 7 because it is simply a case of asking for the report.

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