Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

It is an important amendment in terms of commitments given by Ministers. We are seeking answers as to what or who influenced the change in stance by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The Hunting Association of Ireland met officials from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in Wexford in November 2007. There was clear dialogue and consultation at that time. The understanding was that agreement had been reached with the Department's officials. A subsequent commitment was made in writing following the consultation between Ministers, namely, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern. The Minister of State, Deputy Finneran, has given the impression that the Hunting Association of Ireland is happy with what has been a shifting of the goalposts at the last minute. We on this side of the House have a legitimate right and entitlement to question the Minister of State on what or who changed the views of the officials or the Minister. That is all we are asking.

Legitimate concerns have been raised by Senator Cummins on recorded criminals in other jurisdictions having influence in areas in which perhaps they should not have had. It is on the record that people are influencing this legislation. Senator Norris suggested they are in the minority. It seems that the minority is influencing legislation and the Minister to a great extent. The record speaks for itself. It is there in writing. That is why we are so exercised and why we have tabled the amendment. We are giving the issue the time it deserves. We deserve to get answers from the Minister and the officials in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on what essentially changed the fundamental agreements that were in place and committed to in writing between the Minister and the Hunting Association of Ireland. That is the fundamental reason I am concerned about it and I will put the amendment.