Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for enlightening us on the main provisions of the Bill and why he is bringing it before the House. Fine Gael welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this Bill. Fine Gael is supportive of this Bill in principle and recognises the great need to improve and regulate dog breeding establishments and the management of dog breeding in this country. We have all seen disgusting images of illegal puppy farming and the appalling environment these pups are raised in. Some people have been convicted over recent years. I am sure the Minister agrees these instances are in the minority and that the majority of people involved in dog breeding in this country are very responsible. Whether for commercial gain or otherwise, the reason they are breeding dogs means it is incumbent on them to care properly for dogs in the first instance. Notwithstanding that, Fine Gael agrees that proper standards are needed in this area. This Bill goes a long way to addressing the concerns that are raised. However, Fine Gael has some concerns about certain elements of the Bill and will table amendments on Committee and Report Stages to address these concerns. I hope the Minister will listen with an open ear and take our concerns on board.

When we talk about regulation I can easily throw in a quip. If regulation was working, why did it not work with the banking sector? We can see how the economy has been destroyed because regulation did not work. I understand the Minister has principles in regard to this area and he has good intentions that the regulations will work. Regulations should be used to improve standards, not as a tax gathering exercise. I hope that is not the intention. Regulations should not be used to put responsible people out of business. We must have regulation but we must have reasonable systems in place. The Minister referred to systems of appeal and systems of improvement to give people a reasonable opportunity to improve their circumstances. Regulation should not be used for the wrong reasons.

The Minister referred to broad consultation on this Bill taking place. I understand a working group was established in 2005 which subsequently made recommendations to the Department. Many of these recommendations are included in the Bill. However, many of the stakeholders in the industry of dog rearing, dog breeding and dog use have concerns. They feel they have been excluded from much of the consultation. It is important that this is on the record at an early stage of the debate on the Bill.

The Minister referred to the hunting associations. This Bill concerns dog breeding establishments and it can be argued legitimately that those involved in field sports or the utilisation of dogs for sporting activities, whether foot harriers or hunting associations, are not breeding establishments, yet they are classified as such under this legislation. There is a clear demarcation that should be understood by everyone. That should be on the public record at the outset.