Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I do not propose to accept the Senator's amendment to this section. The proposed amendment would extend the period in which dog breeding establishments have to register from three months to 12 months. It could be argued that the five years that have elapsed since the report on the working group should be considered an ample lead-in time for the new regulatory regime. However, I am seeking to ensure a smooth transition to full registration while also keeping the period allowed for registration meaningful. Therefore, I propose to retain the three-month period for registration provided for in the Bill.

This measure is for registration purposes. There is no restriction on a local authority carrying out an inspection and issuing an improvement notice. The local authority can and will have an itemised list if it is necessary but it may not be. Planning permission comes under a different code. It has nothing to do with this.