Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

It is strange that he should decide to do so midstream. However, if he does so and acknowledges that such groups do not rear puppies for commercial purposes, I will have no difficulties in that regard. It goes without saying we all want to protect and ensure the welfare of young dogs. Therefore, the legislation is to be welcomed, but the greyhound coursing groups and the hunting association are very anxious to make the point that the Minister's next move will be to ban hunting and coursing, over which I would not stand under any circumstances. From the time I was knee-high I was brought to coursing meetings. As Senator Cummins knows, it was part of the culture of rural Ireland and is still lovely. I am not saying we should destroy animals, but there is a way of protecting them. The hunting association and the greyhound coursing groups agree everyone wants to protect animals, but it is a matter of how we do it. I, therefore, ask the Minister to rethink and talk to the hunting association before he finalises the Bill. He has stated he will do so. We welcome his statement that this legislation must be brought forward, as there must be a tight structure for those establishments run by cowboys to breed puppies. That is what the Bill is about, it is not about the rearing of dogs for hunting. It is about protecting those animals which are badly treated. In that regard, this is good legislation. However, I hope the Minister will talk to the hunting association to clarify exactly where he stands with it.