Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

The Minister of State's response to the amendment is amazing. As I said, two Ministers gave a commitment in writing to the Hunting Association of Ireland that the kennels kept by its members would be exempt from the regulations. It beggars belief the Minister of State has said, on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley, that the Fine Gael amendment is neither "feasible "nor "justifiable". We wonder why people are cynical about politics. What has happened since November 2007 when representatives of the Hunting Association of Ireland first met officials from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government? They were given commitments by the then Minister of State, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, and subsequently from the Minister, Deputy Gormley. What changed the Minister's view? What influenced him and his officials to roll back on a clear and written commitment to a national organisation which represents thousands of members in every county and district of the country involved in a traditional and legal practice? The questions I have asked deserve to be answered. We need to know the reason for the change in the Minister's stance. Such an explanation might convince Senators on this side of the House that there are genuine reasons for his change of view. We have certainly not heard them. All I have heard is that it is neither "feasible "nor justifiable". I do not agree with either of these arguments.

It is a great pity the Minister of State has come to the House to roll back completely on the commitments Ministers were willing to give to their Government colleagues in writing. I suspect the views of many Fianna Fáil Deputies, Senators and county councillors, not to mention those of people in their own districts and constituencies, are not in accordance with what the Minister of State has said. It is a great pity we are bringing in new laws in this way. It is not right that Bills which are drafted and brought before the Oireachtas can deviate so seriously from commitments previously given to respectable organisations. It is a great pity. The Fine Gael Party will pursue this amendment. The commitments given should be upheld by accepting this important amendment to the Bill.

The role of hunt clubs is clearly defined in the law. Many independent agencies clearly acknowledge that hunting associations keep their kennels and regulate them to a very high standard. Obviously, they would not be in the business if they did not do so — that is a given. We will pursue the amendment in the hope we will receive some support from Fianna Fáil Senators.