Noel Coonan (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 9:

In page 16, subsection (1), between lines 11 and 12, to insert the following new paragraph:

"(f) one person who is nominated for such appointment by the Minister for Agriculture and Food as being representative of persons with a farming interest;"

The Minister has dealt with this matter to some extent but I would like her to be even more specific. I accept her statement that she will place a member of the farming community with direct involvement in animal welfare on the council. By a member of the farming community, I refer specifically to a full-time member.

Some vets are farmers and I am concerned about this. If such a person were to be nominated, would he be excluded in view of what has been stated? Somebody with compassionate involvement with animals could also be on the council and this could include a representative of the farming community, although not necessarily a full-time farmer. The Minister needs to be specific because the members of the farming community are the chief people involved in animal welfare. It is their way of life and they are most concerned about it. That is not to say that the other groups are not concerned. I would like the Minister's assurance to be included in the legislation because I do not expect her to be Minister for Agriculture and Food forever.