Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

The Minister of State's reply spoke volumes. Truthfully, he said absolutely nothing. It is obvious that he read from a script given to him from elsewhere. He did not really answer the two questions posed by the amendment. Why has there been a change of Government policy? There was a Government commitment given in writing to grant a full exemption to hunt clubs. That was not promised down the telephone line, rather it was given in writing. While I appreciate that Governments are entitled to change policy and Ministers are entitled to take a particular slant on legislation, I ask the Minister of State to explain the reason the Minister reversed a commitment given by his predecessors. This Bill, which was first mooted a long time ago, was drafted and prepared under two or three Ministers. In correspondence with hunt clubs these Ministers gave a commitment that such clubs would be fully exempt from the provisions. For this reason, it is not unreasonable of Senators to expect the Minister of State to explain the reason the Minister has changed departmental policy.

I also ask the Minister of State to outline departmental thinking on hunting clubs and sports. The Minister has taken a particular view, influenced by his party political background, on the Ward Union hunt. Every hunt, coursing club and point to point association is concerned that the introduction of the legislation, specifically this section, will be used as a Trojan horse to attack rural sporting organisations. I ask the Minister of State to give a commitment that this is not the case and the Department will maintain a hands off approach to country sporting organisations which have survived for decades and will, I am sure, survive all of us. If he is unwilling to give such a commitment, I ask him to give Members at least the scant consolation that the section will be examined before Report Stage.

The Minister of State did not explain the reason for the policy U-turn on this issue. Was it done at the behest of the Minister, Department, Green Party or campaign groups which, as I read last week, tried to influence the Minister during negotiations on a revised programme for Government? Did these groups write the legislation? Will the Minister of State provide further information?