Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I agree with the proposed amendment. Senator Coffey outlined the problems that might be perceived by people who are trying in good spirit to meet the regulations this new law will define. The problems are not just related to planning, although planning issues are a concern. They could be related to budgeting. People often put in place a budget for the year. They could be related to obtaining credit from banks to do any necessary upgrade or remedial works.

The three-month period provided is too short. We all want these establishments to be registered. The provision of a 12-month period is eminently suitable. If the Minister of State is not happy with this amendment, he might change the legislation to allow a staged process whereby if, after three or six months, institutions showed an itemised plan of work they intended carrying out over the subsequent six months, that would suffice. I would be concerned about enshrining in law the requirement to complete any remedial works within three months because it would be very difficult in the current climate to achieve that timescale. It may have the effect of driving some establishments underground or some people out of business. We all appreciate the need for this but I ask the Minister of State to have some thought for the difficulties a three-month limit might impose on breeders.