Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State and two aspects of the Bill. I listened to Senator Quinn and agree with him on many of the points he raised which I will be endorsing.

I recognise the need to improve and regulate dog breeding establishments and the management of dog breeding. We all are well aware of the disgusting images of illegal puppy farming and the appalling conditions in which some breeders rear their puppies before selling them to the public. It is vitally important, therefore, that this legislation is being introduced to ensure proper animal welfare standards in these establishments.

I acknowledge that the Minister has engaged in wide consultation with a variety of interested parties, including Departments, voluntary and dog interest groups, but there is a concern that the hunting association and the coursing breeders' board have not been consulted. This concerns me because, as Senator Quinn stated, they have made the point that they should not be included in this legislation to do with commercial dog breeding, with particular reference to the rearing of greyhounds, hunting and coursing. I again ask what is the long-term view of the Minister in this regard. The Bill deals with commercial puppy farming. Hunt clubs breed pups not on a commercial basis but only to renew the number of hounds in a pack. Therefore, such clubs should be excluded from the Bill. The reason I have taken an interest in this issue, even though I have worked most of my life in Dublin - there is an rural-urban divide - is members of my family are involved in and very much associated with hunting in the south east. I must, therefore, make known my view that the hunting association should not be included in these regulations and registration scheme. While we all agree there must be standards and regulation and registration of these establisments, the local authorities are the ideal bodies to be in control of such matters.

There is a question arising. It is very important, if we are to introduce new legislation providing for registration and regulation, that the cost factor is taken into account, as there must be backup services available. There must be dog wardens, inspectors and veterinary staff who can monitor progress and pounce on these establishments. There is not much point in talking the talk if no action will be taken through the local authorities. Most establishment owners welcome the new standards and structure because they will know exactly what they can and cannot do within their commercial establishments. It is very important, therefore, that they have a link with the local authorities in order that they can all work together and owners will know exactly where they stand. I also agree that there must be a transition period to allow the owners of puppy farms to put their house in order that after a certain period - perhaps three months - there will be no excuses. While I hope registration fee and dog licence income will cover the running costs of the inspectorate, I wonder whether that will be the case.

The Minister has stated he will consult the hunting association and coursing greyhound breeding groups but I would have thought he would have done this before he introduced the Bill.