Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

In his Second Stage speech the Minister explained why the exemption of hunt clubs was not practical for reasons on which he received good advice. It is important that the legislation is effective and that it can be implemented.

I reject the insinuation that this is an attack on rural life or sporting activities. That is totally wrong. It is an inappropriate contribution to make. The amendment relates to whether one registers hunt clubs for the purpose of the Bill. We can talk about the legislation in general later but we are dealing with the amendment in particular. There is no basis to the argument that my non-acceptance of the amendment is an attack on rural life. That is generally accepted.

It is important that when the legislation is enacted it must be effective in its implementation and have the fundamental welfare of dogs at its core. That is what the legislation is about. I accept that all breeding establishments must therefore come within the remit of the legislation for inspection purposes. I know many hunting clubs. They are caring groups. The Roscommon Hunt was mentioned by Senator O'Reilly. It hunts on my family farm. I am not a member although it hunts in my area. Those people do their work well. They work on a voluntary basis to the highest standards. They do not have anything to fear from the legislation.