Peter Callanan (Fianna Fail)

The point is well made by Senator Coonan, but this is also provided for in the Bill. The final two paragraphs on page 15 clearly mean that someone availing of the service is a farmer. Equally, I would share the concern of Senator Coonan about the definition of animal welfare and the appointment of an individual from that community. It can be stated clearly, without fear of contradiction, that nobody is more concerned about animal welfare than the farmer who is out there looking after a herd of cattle, a flock of sheep or other animals. No farmer wants to see injury done to animals and no farmer wants to see the welfare of animals compromised. I suggest that both sections 16(b) and (c) would allow for the appointment of farmers, who are the people using the services. That is my interpretation.