Results 541-560 of 2,386 for speaker:Michael Finneran

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: A number of comments have been made to the effect that the Bill is anti-rural. There is no question of it being anti-rural or anti-rural pursuits, rather it is about the welfare of dogs. There is nothing in the legislation that poses any threat to the greyhound industry.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: The greyhound industry -----

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: The 1958 Act is in place for the promotion and regulation of the greyhound industry. However, this Bill is about the welfare of dogs. The two pieces of legislation will complement each other. The view being portrayed is that this is in some way an attack on the greyhound industry, but that does not stand up to scrutiny.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: The position is that the Bill is about the welfare of dogs. I know what I am talking about because I owned a greyhound. Therefore, I know a lot about the industry. However, I must make it clear that the Bill is not an attack on the greyhound industry, nor is there an overlap with the 1958 Act. This legislation is about the welfare of dogs and the inspection of breeding establishments.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: I propose to deal with amendments Nos. 11 and 12 together and do not propose to accept either amendment. Section 14(4) allows the Minister to introduce guidelines for the operation of dog breeding establishments. As outlined in my Second Stage contribution, it is my firm intention to put these guidelines on a statutory basis after full consultation with the interested parties following the...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: In the interests of clarifying the position, I wish to state that the Bill will be enacted but that it will not be commenced until the regulations are in place. They will both, therefore, come into force at the same time.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: I reject that assertion. That is absolutely untrue.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: The Senator is not entitled to make that statement.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: Consultation did take place and the working group recommended the level of six litters.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: Included in that working group-----

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: -----were representatives of the Veterinary Council of Ireland, the Irish Greyhound Board, the Irish Kennel Club, the Irish Dog Breeders Association, the Department, the Garda Síochána and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. It received 27 submissions. I have provided information on the outcome of the deliberations of the working group.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: It recommended a figure of six litters. The provisions of the Bill will supplement the 1958 Act-----

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: -----and ensure regulation will improve the reputation of the dog breeding industry, including the greyhound breeding sector, from which the industry will benefit in the long run. I reiterate that the Bill is about the welfare of dogs, while the provisions of the 1958 Act concern the promotion and regulation of the dog and greyhound industries.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: Amendments Nos. 13 and 14 both seek to amend section 15(1), which states "The operator of a dog breeding establishment shall cause a microchip to be implanted in each dog kept at that [premises]." I am grateful to the Senators for highlighting the matter to the House. While I am disposed towards accepting Senator Mullen's amendment, I must give it further consideration in consultation with...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: I do not propose the Senator's proposed amendment which would have the effect of excluding those connected with animal welfare from being appointed as authorised persons. It is important to remember that this provision continues the good practice provided in section 15 of the 1986 Control of Dogs Act whereby a local authority may enter into an arrangement with persons connected with animal...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: A couple of points were raised, to which I have not yet responded, including the matter of consultation. In response to a notice placed in the national press, the working group received 27 submissions from a variety of animal welfare and veterinary bodies, local authorities and private individuals. A total of 652 submissions were received by my Department following the release of the report...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: The annual charge applies to a dog breeding establishment. That is what it involves.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: The first person mentioned in section 16 is a veterinary practitioner and there is a follow-on from that. That has been the experience to date in local authorities. To respond to the question that there may be a challenge, I said earlier that I am not aware of any instance in this jurisdiction where the activities of any person used by local authorities has been successfully challenged or...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: There were a couple of points. There is an opportunity for the local authority to second or contract the services of a body. That is the position in many local authorities currently under the Control of Dogs Act and some of these were outlined by Senator Boyle. That is an existing practice. With regard to involvement of the local authority, it is worth mentioning that there has been no...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Michael Finneran: I do not propose to accept this amendment. Section 19 provides for a closure notice to be served on an establishment if there is a serious or immediate threat to public health or animal welfare. Section 19(2)() enables a local authority to require an operator to rehouse all dogs. In addition, it provides that such removal be at the operator's expense. Non-compliance shall be an offence....